"Mr. Blake is welcome to his call. But—since you force me to say it—I must expressly tell you, it is my wish that you should not see him alone."
"I'm very sorry, papa, that you should forbid me," said Genevieve with a quiet tensity that should have forewarned him.
"Sorry?"
"Yes, papa, because, if you insist, I shall have to disobey you."
"You will?"
He stared at her, astounded, and she sustained his gaze with a steadiness that he perceived could not be shaken.
Lord James again interposed. "I beg your pardon, Mr. Leslie, if I may seem to interfere. But as he is my friend, I, too, request you—"
"You?" exclaimed Mr. Leslie, with fresh astonishment. "You also side with him?—when my sister-in-law tells me—"
"That is all by-the-bye, I assure you, sir. The least I can do for the man who saved her life is to play fair. Permit me to say that you can do no less."
Mr. Leslie looked at Genevieve with a troubled frown.