"It's astonishing how many people are interested in my affairs," he said with grim lightness.
"No one so much as I am," she whispered softly. "Bernard, I must tell you something about papa. I had almost forgotten."
"Yes. Has he been exercising a landlord's privilege, too?"
"Of course not, sir. But, Bernard, people have been talking, and he has heard them, and——"
Her face grew troubled, and he stood still.
"He suspects, too, does he? Then I certainly cannot force him to become my host."
She took hold of both of his hands, and looked up at him pleadingly.
"Don't be stupid, Bernard, dear, please. I didn't say that he suspected. Only people have been talking, and of course it leaves an impression. You must make friends with him, you know. Won't you have something to ask him—some day—perhaps?"
She turned away, blushing a little, and he was conquered.
"Very well, love, I will come then," he said. "Only, please, you must go and tell him directly we get there; and if he would rather not have me for a guest, you must come and let me know. I will sit at no man's table under protest," he added, with a sudden flush of pride.