"You are an older man, and he is easily led. A hint would have gone a long way, and he doesn't resent good-humored firmness from those he likes."
"You suggest that he likes me?"
"One can't tell," said Elsie in a quiet voice.
"Well, you must see how awkwardly I'm placed. I can't defend myself without attacking Dick, and you wouldn't like that. Suppose I hinted that he insisted on following his bent although I tried to restrain him?"
"Did you?"
Williamson hesitated, which was an unusual thing. He had no sentimental respect for girlish inexperience, but he could not make the direct statement that would have cleared him. He reflected with a touch of ironical amusement that Elsie would not be deceived.
"It was really difficult to interfere, but I did try a tactful hint," he said with an indulgent air. "Perhaps the way you regard the thing is natural and deserves some sympathy, but I must say I feel a little hurt. It looks as if you thought I had some object in encouraging Dick to be extravagant and rash."
"No; I can't see what you would gain," Elsie replied thoughtfully.
"Well, that's some relief; but what do you want now? A promise that, at the risk of offending him, I'll be very firm in future?"
Elsie was silent for a moment and then looked at him calmly.