‘I don’t think you are,’ he answered. ‘At any rate, people are talking about you, and—and I don’t like it!’
Alma shrugged her white shoulders.
‘Why shouldn’t people talk, if it pleases them? But what are they saying?’
The ice was broken, and now was the time for George to take the plunge. He hesitated seriously for a moment, and then proceeded.
‘They are saying scandalous things, and I think you ought to know.’
‘About me, George?’
‘About you and that man Bradley.’
‘Indeed!’ exclaimed Alma, and she laughed quite joyously.
‘It’s no laughing matter,’ cried Craik angrily. ‘It’s a matter that concerns our family, and our family honour. I tell you they couple your name with his in a way that makes a fellow shudder. That is why I came here to remonstrate with you. I heard this afternoon that you and this man were seen in Normandy together, at a time when everybody supposed you to be here in London.’
Alma started and flushed crimson. Was her secret discovered? For her own part, she did not much care; indeed, she would have rejoiced greatly to publish her great happiness to all the world; but she respected Bradley’s wishes, and was resolute in keeping silence.