“The Ritchies were always skilled in dealing with sinners,” she began; “the first earl had the habit of hunting them like foxes, so it is said. I take it for granted that, before my sentence is pronounced, I shall have the pleasure of hearing my wrong-doings in detail. I could not ask you to forego that satisfaction.”
“You seem to know the characteristics of my family, Mrs. Temple,” I answered. “There is one trait of the Ritchies concerning which I ask your honest opinion.”
“And what is that?” she said carelessly.
“I have always understood that they have spoken the truth. Is it not so?”
She glanced at me curiously.
“I never knew your father to lie,” she answered; “but after all he had few chances. He so seldom spoke.”
“Your intercourse with me at Temple Bow was quite as limited,” I said.
“Ah,” she interrupted quickly, “you bear me that grudge. It is another trait of the Ritchies.”
“I bear you no grudge, Madame,” I replied. “I asked you a question concerning the veracity of my family, and I beg that you will believe what I say.”
“And what is this momentous statement?” she asked.