The girl's color did not change. "As other people have evidently been doing to you."
"A little. Did you dance with him last night?"
"He wasn't there. He's working very hard on his newspaper."
"You seem to know a good deal about it."
"Naturally, since I've bought into the paper myself. I believe that's the proper business phrase, isn't it?"
"Bought in? What do you mean? You haven't been making investments without my advice?"
"Don't worry, Guardy, dear. It isn't strictly a business transaction. I've been—ahem—establishing a sphere of influence."
"Over Harrington Surtaine?"
"Over his newspaper."
"Look here, Esmé! How serious is this Surtaine matter?" Dr. Elliot's tone had a distinct suggestion of concern.