“Why not?” demanded Hugh coldly.
“The assistant and companion of a wandering faker!”
“No, Mr. Murdock, I did not invite him, for my sister saved me the trouble.”
“I don't see how you could sanction her doing it.”
“It strikes me, Murdock, you are interfering beyond your province. Walter Sherwood, you will be good enough to remember, is a gentleman by birth and education, and a college classmate of mine.”
“That may all be, but think of his position!”
“Suppose we drop this discussion,” said Hugh frigidly. “I shall invite whom I please, and shall ask advice of no one.”
“Oh, if you take it that way, I will be silent.”
“It will be as well.”
The dance was over, and Murdock, approaching Miss Longwood once more, asked her hand for the next dance. She accepted, and they took their places on the floor.