As Walter instantly remembered that he had mentioned the story to Power, he could not at once say “No,” but was about to explain.
“Telling any of the fellows all about you and your father?” he repeated; “I didn’t know—”
“Please, I don’t want any excuses. If you haven’t, it’s easy to say ‘No’; if you have, I only want you to say ‘Yes.’”
“But you never told me that I wasn’t to—”
“Yes or no?” said Kenrick, with an impatient gesture.
“Well, I suppose I must say ‘Yes,’ then; but hear me explain. I only mentioned it to—”
“That’s enough, thank you. I don’t want to hear any more. I don’t want to know whom you mentioned it to;” and Kenrick turned short on his heel, and began to walk off.
“But hear me, Ken,” said Walter eagerly, walking after him, and laying his hand on his shoulder.
“My name’s Kenrick,” said he, shaking off Walter’s hand. “You may apologise if you like; but even then I shan’t speak to you again.”
“I have nothing to apologise for. I only told—”