“If I were going to sell those beasts, I’d rather make the deal with her husband.”
Then he changed the subject and they talked in a lighter vein until the room began to empty and a waitress came to collect the plates.
“Don’t they close this place as soon as supper is finished?” Muriel asked, trying to overcome her diffidence. “Where can I have a word or two with you? I was afraid that somebody might overhear us here.”
“The parlor would be best,” he answered in some surprise. “The boys prefer the downstairs room and the bar. I’ll tell the man about my horse, and then I’ll be there.”
Muriel found the few minutes she had to wait trying, but she gathered her courage when he joined her.
“Sit down,” she said with an air of decision. “I’d better begin at once, and the thing is serious. What have you done to clear yourself, since I last saw you?”
His searching glance filled her with misgivings; without being subtle, he was by no means dull, and he must be curious about her motive in asking him. To her relief, however, he confined himself to the point she had raised.
“Nothing. I don’t see what can be done.”
“Then are you content to remain suspected?”
“No; I’m not content! But as I seem to be helpless, the fools who can only judge by appearances and the others who are quick to think the worst of me must believe what they like. Anyway, their opinion doesn’t count for much.”