"Well, Griggs," he cried, "without going into the question of Cain and Abel, can you tell me anything about the figures?"
I said something. I gave some approximate account, and, speaking loudly, I ran on readily with a long string of statistics, most of them, I grieve to say, manufactured on the spur of the moment. But I knew that Carvel was not listening, and did not care what I said. Hermione was watching Paul with evident concern; Mrs. Carvel and Macaulay at once affected the greatest interest in what I was saying, while Professor Cutter looked at Chrysophrasia, as though trying to attract her attention.
"What a wonderful memory you have, Mr. Griggs!" said Macaulay Carvel, in sincere admiration.
"Oh, not at all," I answered, with perfect truth. "Statistics of that kind are very easily got."
By this time the awkwardness had disappeared, and by dint of talking very loud and saying a great many things which meant very little, John and I succeeded in making the remainder of the dinner pass off very well. But every one seemed to be afraid of Chrysophrasia, and when, once or twice, she was on the point of making a remark, there was a general attempt made to prevent her from leading the conversation. As soon as dinner was over we scattered in all directions, like a flock of sheep. Chrysophrasia retired to her room. John Carvel went to the library, whither his wife followed him in a few minutes. Macaulay, Patoff, and I went to the smoking-room, contrary to all precedent; but as Macaulay led the way, we followed with delight. The result of this general separation was that Hermione and Professor Cutter were left alone in the drawing-room.
"I want to ask you a question," said the young girl, as they stood before the great fireplace.
"Yes," answered the scientist, anticipating trouble. "I am at your service."
"Why did Paul turn so pale when aunt Chrysophrasia talked about Cain at dinner, and why did everybody feel so uncomfortable?"
"It is not surprising. But I cannot tell you the story."
"You must," said Hermione, growing pale, and laying her hand upon his arm. "I must know. I insist that you shall tell me."