“I have no means of judging how she regards you, Everard.”

“It is possible she even thinks me a liar?”

“I understood you to say that she never refused to believe you.”

He made a movement of impatience.

“Plainly—you will tell me nothing?”

“I have nothing to tell.”

“Then I suppose I must see Rhoda. Perhaps she will refuse to admit me?”

“I can’t say. But if she does her meaning would be unmistakable.”

“Cousin Mary”—he looked at her and laughed—“I think you will be very glad if she does refuse.”

She seemed about to reply with some pleasantry, but checked herself, and spoke in a serious voice.