Festing hesitated. One difficulty had vanished, but there was another, and he hoped Helen would see his point of view.
“For all that, in a way, there was some truth in the story; enough, in fact, to make it dangerous, and I think you have been rash. Bob has been here too often, and you will remember I objected to his coming.”
“You did,” said Helen. “You were rather disagreeable about it; but you objected because he liked to talk and kept you from your work.”
“He certainly talked. General conversation is all right in English country houses where nobody had much to do, but casual chatterers who insist on talking when you're busy are a disgusting nuisance in Canada. However, I don't think that's worth arguing about.”
“It is not,” said Helen, with a smile. “Besides, I know your opinions about that point. What do you wish me to do?”
“Warn Sadie to keep Bob at home. There's no reason she shouldn't visit you, but you can't go there.”
The color returned to Helen's face and she got up. She looked stately with her air of injured pride.
“Do you mean that I should rule my conduct to suit the ideas of the drunken loafers at the settlement poolroom?”
“Oh!” said Festing impatiently, “try to be sensible! You have done a foolish thing, but you needn't make it worse. The trouble is that those loafers' opinions will be reflected all round the neighborhood. Wilkinson won't say anything more; at least, he won't when I'm about; but I can't keep on throwing out people who agree with him.”
“That is plain. If you were not so angry, the remark would be humorous.”