"How does it strike you, David?
And what do you advise ?" How could I advise?
I could only draw my own conclusions privately.
Madame Fontaine's movements were watched by somebody; possibly in the interests of the stranger who now held the promissory note.

It was, of course, impossible for me to communicate this view of the circumstances to either of my two companions.

I could only suggest a patient reliance on time, and the preservation of discreet silence on Minna's part, until her mother set the example of returning to the subject.
My vaguely-prudent counsels were, naturally enough, not to the taste of my young hearers.

Fritz openly acknowledged that I had disappointed him; and Minna turned aside her head, with a look of reproach.

Her quick perception had detected, in my look and manner, that I was keeping my thoughts to myself.