"Why didn't you tell me of any dispute when you returned home? You know how nervous I am when you are out at night."
The girl laughed merrily.
"You have answered your own question, carissima. That is precisely why I did not tell you."
"Miss Atherley was good enough to permit me to meet you here after the concert," put in Philip, "so that I might add my assurances to her own that the affair was of no consequence. It is early yet. Will you come with me for some supper, and thus give me a chance of telling you how much I enjoyed your daughter's singing?"
Wise Philip, to pay court to the mother.
Mrs. Atherley, in no way deceived, yet gratified by the deference shown to her, gave the girl a questioning glance.
"Oh, do let us go, mamma! I am famished, I candidly admit it. Mr. Anson, I have subsisted since luncheon without a morsel."
"We will be delighted——" began the older lady, but her attention was attracted by the footman holding open the door of the carriage.
"Is that carriage yours?" she said to Philip.
"Yes."