"Why didn't you call me to help you in, Mrs. Champney? I blame myself for not coming sooner."
"I really feel stronger and thought I might as well try it; there is always a first time—and you were with Champney, weren't you?"
"I? Why no—what made you think that?" Mrs. Champney noticed the slight hesitation before the question was put so indifferently, and the quick red that mounted in the girl's cheeks. "Mr. Googe went off half an hour ago with Rag tagging on behind."
"Then he conquered as usual."
"I don't know whether I should call it 'conquering' or not; Rag didn't want to go, that was plain enough to see."
"What made him go then?"
Aileen laughed out. "That's just what I'd like to know myself."
"What do you think of him?"
"Who?—Rag or Mr. Googe?"
She was always herself with Mrs. Champney, and her daring spirit of mischief rarely gave offence to the mistress of Champ-au-Haut. But by the tone of voice in which she answered, Aileen knew that, without intention, she had irritated her.