The girl stopped and looked at him with her bright bird-like glance. But she made no reply.
'Did your mother teach it you?' he asked, coming in.
'I suppose so,' she said indifferently.
'Can you talk any French—do you remember it?'
'No.'
'But you'd soon learn. You haven't got the English mouth, that's plain. Do you know your brother thinks of taking you to Paris?'
She started.
'He don't,' she said laconically.
'Oh, don't he. Just ask him then?'
Ten minutes later Louie had been put in possession of the situation. As David had fully expected, she took no notice whatever of his suggestion that after all she might not care to come. They might be rough quarters, he said, and queer people about; and it would cost a terrible deal more for two than one. Should he not ask Dora Lomax to take her in for a fortnight? John, of course, would look after the shop. He spoke under the pressure of a sudden qualm, knowing it would be no use; but his voice had almost a note of entreaty in it.