"Then it must be under another roof," I answered. "If you will not promise to keep absolutely silent until we at least know exactly what her parentage is, you must leave us."
Arthur took up his hat.
"Very well," he said shortly. "I will send for my things to-morrow."
He left the room without another word to either of us.
CHAPTER III
"In diplomacy," the Baron remarked blandly, "as also, I believe, in affairs of commerce, the dinner-table is frequently chosen as a fitting place for the commencement of delicate negotiations. For a bargain—no! But when three men—take ourselves, for instance—have a matter of some importance to discuss, I can conceive no better opportunity for the preliminary—skirmishing, shall I say?—than the present."
I raised my glass, and looked thoughtfully at the pale amber wine bubbling up from the stem.
"From a certain point of view," I answered, "I entirely agree with you. Yet you must remember that the host has always the advantage."
"In the present case," the Baron said with a smile, "that amounts to nothing, for you practically gave me my answer before we sat down to dinner. If I am able to induce you to change your mind—well, so much the better. If not—well, I can have nothing to complain of."