'We are not,' Alma remarked, with a hard smile.
'You think he dressed things up a bit?'
'I think,' answered Alma, 'that he may have known more than he told.'
'That's my idea, too. But never mind; whatever the truth may be, that woman is doing you a serious injury. I felt you ought to know about it. People have talked about you a good deal, wondering why on earth you dropped out of sight so suddenly after that splendid start; and it was only natural they should connect your name with the Carnaby affair, knowing, as so many did, that you were a friend of theirs, and of Redgrave too.'
'I knew Mr. Redgrave,' said Alma, 'but I was no friend of his.'
Dymes peered at her.
'Didn't he interest himself a good deal in your business?'
'Not more than many other people.'
'Well, I'm very glad to hear that,' said Dymes, looking about the room. 'I tell you, honestly, that whenever I have a chance of speaking up for you, I shall do it.'
'I am very much obliged, but I really don't think it matters what is said of me. I am not likely ever to meet the people who talk about such things.'