Darrow again seemed to turn over the facts she gave him. His face remained grave, but without the least trace of discomposure. “And what does Miss Viner say?”
“She says it’s perfectly natural that she should occasionally talk to my friends when she’s under my roof—and refuses to give him any other explanation.”
“That at least is perfectly natural!”
Anna felt her cheeks flush as she answered: “Yes—but there is something——”
“Something——?”
“Some reason for her sudden decision to break her engagement. I can understand Owen’s feeling, sorry as I am for his way of showing it. The girl owes him some sort of explanation, and as long as she refuses to give it his imagination is sure to run wild.”
“She would have given it, no doubt, if he’d asked it in a different tone.”
“I don’t defend Owen’s tone—but she knew what it was before she accepted him. She knows he’s excitable and undisciplined.”
“Well, she’s been disciplining him a little—probably the best thing that could happen. Why not let the matter rest there?”
“Leave Owen with the idea that you have been the cause of the break?”