“I am not obliged to tell the servant at the door the motive of my curiosity when I inquire after the health of a dying relation. That would be asking too much.”
“You can inquire just as well at Mrs. Trimm’s——”
“Mr. Craik’s house is on my way home from here—Totty’s is not on the direct line.”
“I hope you—how absurd of me, though! It is no business of mine.”
George could not say anything in reply to this statement, but an expression of amusement came over his face, which did not escape his companion. Constance laughed a little nervously.
“You are obliged to admit that it is none of my business, you see,” she said.
“I am in the position of a man who cannot assent without being rude, nor differ without impugning the known truth.”
“That was very well done, Mr. Wood,” said Constance. “I have nothing more to say.”
“To me? Then I herewith most humbly take my leave.” George rose from his seat.
“I did not mean that!” exclaimed the young girl with a smile. “Do not go——”