Winnington's expression altered. He did not answer for a moment. Then he said, looking away—
"Do you think you need have said that?"
"No!"—cried Madeleine Tonbridge remorsefully. "I am a wretch. But don't—don't!"
This time he smiled at her, though not without vexation.
"Do you forget that I am nearly old enough to be her father?"
"Oh that's nonsense!" she said hastily. "However—I'm not going to flatter you—or tease you. Forgive me. I put it out of my head. I wonder if there is anybody in the field already?"
"Not that I am aware of."
"Of course you know this kind of thing spoils a girl's prospects of marriage enormously. Men won't run the risk."
Winnington laughed.
"And all the time, you're a Suffragist yourself!"