“No,” said Mr. Fraser, doggedly.
“A gentleman would not have to have half as much said to him,” said Poppy, trembling.
“Well, thank God, I’m not a gentleman,” said Fraser, calmly.
“If I had a father or a brother you would not behave like this,” said the girl.
“If you had a father or a brother they would do it instead,” said Fraser, gently; “it’s just because you’ve got nobody else that I’m looking after you.”
Miss Tyrell, who had softened slightly, stiffened again with temper.
“You?” she said, hotly. “What right have you to trouble yourself about me?”
“No right at all,” said Fraser, cheerfully, “but I’m going to do it. If you’ve left the Wheelers, where are you going?”
Miss Tyrell, gazing straight in front of her, made no reply.
“Won’t you tell me?” persisted the other.