Stupid little fool! he thought. (Good God, that was nearly what his father had said she was!)
He said: "He meant it kindly, no doubt. But you didn't know?"
"How should I know?"
"I thought perhaps your father might have told you."
"I was never interested in his business."
Pause. A sudden sharp wave of irritation made him continue:
"I say, Helen, you might remember whom you're talking to when you're at dinner. The Lord Randolph you were saying the uncomplimentary things about happens to be the cousin of the lady sitting on your left."
"Really? Oh, I'm so sorry, Kenneth. I didn't know. D'you think she'd be offended?"
"I shouldn't think she'd trouble very much about your opinion, but the publicity which you gave to it would probably annoy her a little."
She suddenly hid her head in her arms and burst into tears.