“That is, they are members of the 'sect' to which you belong? Forgive my scepticism, but I am always a little doubtful as to the accuracy of information received from secret societies. It seems to me that the habit——”
“Who told you I belonged to a 'sect'?” he interrupted sharply.
“No one; I guessed it.”
“Ah!” He leaned back in his chair and looked at her, frowning. “Do you always guess people's private affairs?” he said after a moment.
“Very often. I am rather observant, and have a habit of putting things together. I tell you that so that you may be careful when you don't want me to know a thing.”
“I don't mind your knowing anything so long as it goes no further. I suppose this has not——”
She lifted her head with a gesture of half-offended surprise. “Surely that is an unnecessary question!” she said.
“Of course I know you would not speak of anything to outsiders; but I thought that perhaps, to the members of your party——”
“The party's business is with facts, not with my personal conjectures and fancies. Of course I have never mentioned the subject to anyone.”
“Thank you. Do you happen to have guessed which sect I belong to?”