“Indeed? And he is half European, too. It seems—forgive me, James. Really, you know, I cannot always keep my thoughts from slipping out. You shouldn't expect it, dear.”
“How did you know that his—his mother was a European?” he inquired abruptly.
“Dear me! What manner of woman do you think I am? Without curiosity? I should be a freak. I have inquired of Mrs Desmond. There was no harm in that.”
“What did she tell you? But no! It doesn't matter. We shan't discuss it. We——”
“She told me little or nothing,” she broke in quickly. “You may rest quite easy, James.”
“Upon my word, Yvonne, I don't understand——”
“Let us speak of Frederic.”
“I suppose it is only natural that you should inquire,” he said resignedly.
“Of my servants,” she added pointedly.
He flushed slightly. “I dare say I deserve the rebuke. It will not be necessary to pursue that line of inquiry, however. I shall tell you the story myself some day, Yvonne. Will you not bear with me?”