"But what does it mean? Does it mean that you and Helen——? ... Look here, will you give me your assurance that there's nothing in your relationship but this—this teaching business that you spoke of?"
"Which you called highbrow bunkum."
"Well, if I did——"
"You did, anyhow. And now you want my assurance that there's nothing in my relationship with Helen except highbrow bunkum. Do you really expect me to give it to you? And would you believe it if I did?"
"Never mind that. Come to the point.... Is your relationship with her perfectly all-square and above board?"
"I don't quite know what you mean."
"Is it the sort of thing you could let Severn know about?"
"No.... It isn't the sort of thing I could let anybody know about."
"You mean you're in love with her?"
"No—don't ask me that. Don't ask me any more. I can't and I shan't answer any more."