He opened his mouth to answer her, then closed it again and began paddling more vigorously, for on lifting up his eyes he had seen his father standing beside Mrs. Colonibel and watching them. He could no longer enjoy Vivienne’s girlish chatter, and in silence steered toward the landing place.
The girl too saw her prospective father-in-law and slightly shivered. His affectionately familiar manner since her engagement was not pleasing to her, and she avoided all intercourse with him beyond that which was strictly necessary.
“I must become sober,” she said, “in preparation for this evening. It is a very solemn affair that we are to attend, is it not?”
“Not solemn, but a trifle ceremonious. You do not dread it, do you?”
“A little. You know that I have not cared to appear in public since my unhappy experience the night of your ball.”
“I know, but we are rarely honored by the presence of our governor-general, and I thought the opportunity of being presented too valuable a one to lose. However, if you do not care to go, we shall stay at home.”
“I wish to go, Stanton.”
“And remember, your father will soon be reinstated in public opinion. MacDaly sticks to it that he accidentally burnt the warehouse, though he will tell me nothing more. As soon as I work up this latest clue to your father’s whereabouts I shall make public MacDaly’s confession and state that I have good reason to believe that your father is guiltless of the other charge against him.”
“But will you be believed, Stanton?”
“I think so.”