‘No; and you must not tell her, please.’
‘Of course not. I would never say a word to anyone. But—but—suppose she—she were to hear something about—about this. Would she not—I mean, might it not do harm?’
Tor smiled, as though he were not much afraid.
‘I must risk that. No doubt it can be explained all in good time. But there is no need for many people, or any people to know of this little episode. Your father and you have very few visitors; and we shall not be likely to spread the story about. The servants may get an idea and start a rumour; but I think that is all we have to fear; and if you have no objection, I should like to tell Maud the story. I do not keep secrets from her, as a general thing.’
‘Oh yes, tell her. I do not mind a bit. I think she ought to know.’
‘Thank you, I will let her know how it has happened; and now that we fully understand one another, and the parts we have to play, is there anything more that I can do for you?’
Roma passed her hand across her brow, with an action that showed both weariness and bewilderment.
‘Thank you, no—I don’t think so. You have been very kind, and I am most grateful. But it seems all so strange; and when I go back to father—and—and if he talks about this, what am I to say?’
‘You need say nothing, or hardly anything. Just let him go on his own way, and think his own thoughts. Leave the explanation to me when the right time comes.’
Roma looked at him mournfully.