"I thought of your hazard, truly enough," he answered slowly. "I was thinking, perhaps more earnestly, of my own and my family's reputation. You forget that if you and your father have a heavy reckoning against my cousin, his own kinsmen, whom I represent, consider that theirs is no lighter."
She considered him gravely.
"No," she answered quietly. "No, I did not get that point of view. I did not even believe it a possible one, amongst Aylmers. There I have to ask your forgiveness."
There was the hint of a smile lurking in her eyes, something that hinted that she exaggerated in saying this and knew it. But there was perfect seriousness in his reply.
"That is taken for granted. And my position in this matter is taken for granted, too?"
She looked at him questioningly again and then at her father. The latter smiled.
"Captain Aylmer has his own grudge against this child's father. He offers us his co-operation."
"And I ask for the friendly treatment of an ally," added Aylmer, quietly.
Her look was still doubtful and, unconsciously, perhaps, she frowned.
"Considering what we already owe you—" she began. He interrupted with a gesture.