"But I don't know that I am going away with Sir Owen."
"You said just now that you were."
"Did I say so? Father, you must keep your appointment with Monsignor, and you must say nothing to Owen if you should meet him; you promise me that? It rests with me, father, it is all in the heart."
He stood looking at her, twisting his beard into a point, and while she wondered whether he would go or stay, she admired the delicacy of his hand.
"Think of the disgrace you will bring upon me, and just at the time, too, when Monsignor is beginning to see that a really great choir in London—
"Then, father, you do think that my going away will prejudice him against you?"
"I don't say that. I mean that this time seems less—Of course you cannot go. It is very shocking that we should be discussing the subject together."
A sudden fortitude came upon her, and a sudden desire to sacrifice herself to her father.
"Then, father, I shall stay. I will do nothing that will interfere with your work."
"My dearest child, it is not for me—it is yourself—"