And Dudley softly opened the outer door.
Max perceived that what he proposed was to give Carrie the slip. He drew back a step.
"We can't go without telling her, at least I can't. The girl's quite right. It would be safer for her to go with us. For it's an awful place, not fit to trust oneself in."
"And you think it would be the safer for the presence with us of one of the gang?"
"She is not one of the gang!" cried Max, involuntarily raising his voice. "I'd stake my life on there being no harm in her!"
The door of the sitting-room was opened behind them, and Carrie came out.
"I couldn't help hearing what you said," she said, quietly. "But you needn't quarrel about me. One of you says there's no harm in me; the other says there is. I dare say you're both right. If you don't want me to go to the wharf with you, Mr. Horne, why, I won't go, of course. Good evening."
She wanted to go out, but Dudley stood in the way, preventing her.
"You're quite wrong, I assure you," said he, quickly. "There has been a little discussion about it, certainly; but I think you and my friend are quite right, and it would be much better if you would go with us—much better. Pray don't be annoyed at anything I've said. Remember, I have never seen you before, while my friend, who knows you better, naturally appreciates you more."
Carrie maintained an attitude of cold stolidity while Dudley spoke.