"Call me Ande; it's more natural to me; you were going to say——"
"I was going to ask whether you could not clear yourself from being on the grounds at that time."
"No. I was there."
"After your having saved my life. I shudder to think of it——"
"You shudder to think of my saving your life," said the youth, a little stiffly.
"Oh, no. How you misunderstand me!"
"You mean you are pleased," said Ande, brightening.
"Stupid!" said the girl, a little indignant. "Why don't you let me finish my sentence."
Ande was abashed at this rebuff.
"I shuddered at the accident that might have been, and I want to see you justified. Now if you could tell me why you were there I could inform father, and he, being the soul of honour, would make all right."