"You mean—?"
"The husband's or the lover's?" There was a pause.
"I cannot tell you."
"Where is the girl?"
"My son, do not ask that. It can do no good—really no good."
"Is it not my due?"
"Do not impose your due. Believe me, I know best. If ever there is need to tell you, you shall be told. Trust me. Has not the girl her due also?"
Gaston's eyes held Sir William's a moment. "You are right, sir," he said, "quite right. I shall not try to know. But if—" He paused.
Sir William spoke:
"There is but one person in the world who knows the child's father; and I could not ask him, though I have known him long and well—indeed, no."