"I suppose it's some old family portrait and belongs to the Colonel," she answered.
"Yes, I suppose so," he said, waiving the question of the wager as she had done. "Don't you propose to ask him?"
Elizabeth looked amazed, then flushed deeply as she realized her imprudence in having spoken of the canvas.
"Certainly not," she answered. "I don't see how what Colonel Archdale has on his walls concerns me."
"I should think a possible daughter-in-law would feel somewhat differently." She winced, then answered coolly; "She ought not."
"Well, at least, I am curious. I own it. I must see what we have unearthed here. Won't you ask the Colonel to show us his private portrait gallery? He will do anything for you, I notice."
"Certainly not," she answered.
"Certainly he won't do everything for you, or certainly you will not ask him—which?" insisted Edmonson.
"Both. I shall never test him, and I shall make no comments on what I may find on his walls. Nor will you, Master Edmonson, for no gentleman would."
"Do you object to my seeing it?" She looked at him wonderingly.