"Ah, there I see my naughtiness," he says. "I acted like a churl. There can be no two opinions as to that. But, sir, if you could only know the madness of the passion that drove me on, I think you might find some excuse for me in your heart."
Mr. Langton, differing from him on this latter point, says nothing in reply, but discreetly changes the conversation.
"You talked with Reine?" he inquires.
"Oh, yes; or, I may say, she talked with me," this ruefully.
Mr. Langton at this chuckled heartlessly.
"She has a sharp tongue of her own, I warrant you," he says.
"Inherited honestly enough," replies Mr. Charteris, with a pointed bow at the old gentleman.
"Yes—yes; chip of the old block," Mr. Langton retorts, in nowise disconcerted at the hint of his niece's resemblance to himself. "Well, Vane, this mission on which she has followed you abroad—has she broached it?"
His yet keen eyes detect the flush that steals up to the young man's temples as he replies in the affirmative.