“I have it—the cross and ribbon. It belonged to my Grandfather MacKim. He won it in the Crimean War.”
“That old boy?”
“No, not that one. His name is Javet, Gaspard Javet—and he was never a soldier. What are the other ribbons?”
“One is the Military Cross and the others are service medals. But tell me about your Grandfather MacKim, please.”
“Not now. I am the questioner to-day. You came here without being invited, so I have a right to ask you questions. It is my duty to do so.”
“Of course it is. It is one of your duties as a hostess. Ask away, and I’ll tell you the truth or nothing.”
“Very well. Are you in great danger?”
“I don’t know. If people from the outside don’t find me or learn that I am here I shall be safe enough for the present—except from your grandfather; and I am not seriously afraid of him.”
“But you ran away from something or someone! You flew away! What were you afraid of, to make you fly away? You are not a coward. What are you afraid of?”
“Of disgrace for one thing.”