"Your father, Miss Calendar," he returned uncomfortably.
There fell a short pause; then: "Why—will you tell me—is it necessary to run away from my father, Mr. Kirkwood?" she demanded, with a moving little break in her voice.
Kirkwood hesitated. It were unfeeling to tell her why; yet it was essential that she should know, however painful the knowledge might prove to her.
And she was insistent; he might not dodge the issue. "Why?" she repeated as he paused.
"I wish you wouldn't press me for an answer just now, Miss Calendar."
"Don't you think I had better know?"
Instinctively he inclined his head in assent.
"Then why—?"
Kirkwood bent forward and patted the flank of the satchel that held the gladstone bag.
"What does that mean, Mr. Kirkwood?"