We were near one of the inclosures of the Regent's Park; and when we reached a more secluded place, I resumed:
"First of all, I should like to have your own unbiased opinion about your friends with whom you are residing. Have you observed any change in their manner toward you?"
"Change? None whatever."
"Do you think—I mean from any thing you have yourself noticed—that they have watched our actions or been inquisitive in our affairs?"
She looked inquiringly at me, and hesitated.
"I think it would be impossible to be much with them and escape their persiflage, let us act as we might. But beyond that sort of idle criticism which they deal out indiscriminately to every body, I have observed nothing. Why do you ask?"
"Because I have reason to believe that my attentions to you have attracted more observation than either of us suspected; and that, in fact, they have made such remarks on us as no longer leaves our future course at our own time or option."
"You have reason to believe this?"
"The best possible reason."
"Who is your authority?"