Mr. Carleton was silent a moment; and when he spoke, there was no displeasure, and more tenderness than usual, in his voice.
"What troubled you in that, Elfie? tell me the whole."
"I was sorry, because it wasn't right," said Fleda, with a grave truthfulness which yet lacked none of her universal gentleness and modesty.
"What wasn't right?"
"To speak I am afraid you wont like me to say it, Mr.
Carleton."
"I will, Elfie for I ask you."
"To speak to Mrs. Carleton, so; and, besides, you know what you said, Mr. Carleton"
"It was not right," said he, after a minute, "and I very seldom use such an expression, but you know one cannot always be on one's guard, Elfie."
"But," said Fleda, with gentle persistence, "one can always do what is right."
"The deuce one can!" thought Mr. Carleton to himself.