"You flatter me," said he again, feeling that this chance observation was too near the mark to be pleasant.
"Why will you not be candid with me?" asked Miss Linisfarne, in a vexed tone.
Dan hesitated. He was astonished at the way in which she threw off all reserve and spoke to him. It was on the tip of his tongue to point out that it was not her business to ask questions about a stranger; but she guessed his thoughts, and commented on them frankly.
"I see what is in your mind, sir. You think that I have no business to ask impertinent questions, but I assure you I have every right to do so."
"I do not understand. I am afraid I am dull."
"Not at all! You quite see my position. I am the chaperon, guardian, protectress--what you will--of Meg. She is an innocent girl, who knows nothing of the world, and it is my duty to look after her."
"Why should you impute unworthy motives to me?"
"I impute no motives," replied Miss Linisfarne, calmly; "but I ask myself, why is a gentleman philandering in this lonely place disguised as a vagrant? What reply can you make to that question, sir?"
"Simply that I travel for my pleasure, and do not feel inclined to reveal my name."
"Did you come down to Farbis with any purpose in your mind?"