There was a brief silence. I could distinguish his rapid breathing, and the slight rustle of her skirts as she sank back into a chair.
"Well, are you going to tell me? Or must I hunt for myself?"
"Captain Le Gaire," she began quietly, without even a tremor in the soft voice, "possibly you forget whom I am. The gentlemen of my acquaintance have never been accustomed to question the motives actuating my conduct. You imagine yourself talking to some darky on your Louisiana plantation. Is this the manner in which you propose treating me after marriage?"
He laughed uneasily.
"Why, I meant nothing, Billie. Don't take it in that way. Surely you understand I have a right to be curious as to your companion."
"Yes; but not to carry your curiosity to the point of discourtesy. I have not the slightest objection to answering your questions, if you only ask with some respect."
"You always hold me at arm's length."
"Do I? Well, this is hardly the best time to discuss that. What was it you wished to know?"
"Who is the fellow travelling with you?"
"Didn't the judge tell you?"