"She knows," said Rolf. "She was making an omelette I guess it was for this gentleman."
Whose name he was not clear of yet. Mr. Rossitur looked vexed, but Hugh laughed, and asked if his aunt gave him leave to tell that. Rolf entered forthwith into discussion on this subject, while Mr. Carleton, who had not seemed to hear it, engaged Mr. Rossitur busily in another, till the omelette and Fleda came in. Rolf's mind, however, was ill at ease.
"Aunt Fleda," said he, as soon as she had fairly taken her place at the head of the table, "would you mind my telling that you made the omelette for this gentleman?"
Fleda cast a confused glance, first at the person in question and then round the table; but Mr. Carleton, without looking at her, answered instantly
"Don't you understand, Rolf, that the same kindness which will do a favour for a friend, will keep him in ignorance of it?"
Rolf pondered a moment, and then burst forth
"Why, Sir, wouldn't you like it as well for knowing she made it?"
It was hardly in human gravity to stand this. Fleda herself laughed, but Mr. Carleton, as unmoved as possible, answered him, "Certainly not," and Rolf was nonplussed.
The supper was over. Hugh had left the room, and Mr. Rossitur had before that gone out to give directions about Mr. Carleton's horses. He and Fleda were left alone.
"I have something against you, fairy," said he, lightly, taking her hand, and putting it to his lips. "You shall not again do me such honour as you have done me to-day I did not deserve it, Elfie."