She laughed. “It is, then, a heinous sin in these regions to assume a relationship?”
“I do not allow deception under my roof, if I can detect it,” he replied bluffly. “Now, your companions; tell me. They are no more brother and sister than are you and I?”
“No.”
“They are lovers?”
“You can see that as well as I.”
He tapped his foot impatiently. “Tell me.”
“Then—yes.”
“Of course; it is clear. They are eloping?”
“Under circumstances of infinite respectability, Count,” she said archly.
He laughed. “Ah, yes; of course. Far be it from me to suggest the contrary. Thank you, Fräulein. That is all I wanted to know, unless there is anything more you wish to add.”