“Mr. Haynes,” he said, “I want to speak to you on rather a difficult subject.”
The reporter looked at him keenly. “Most difficult subjects are better let alone,” he said shortly.
“In fairness to you I can’t let this one alone. It concerns Miss Johnston.”
“Whom you have known since Monday, I believe.” Haynes’ face was disagreeable.
“Pardon me,” said the other. “My interest is in my brother.”
“I can’t pretend to share it,” returned Haynes.
“His name is Everard Colton. Do you know him?”
“Perhaps when I tell you that I know something of your family’s entirely unnecessary solicitude as to Miss Johnston, you will appreciate the bad taste of pursuing the subject,” said Haynes.
Dick’s equable temper and habituated self-control stood him in good stead now.
“I am regarding you as standing in the place of Helga Johnston’s brother,” he said.