He hesitated to believe that the pretty woman before him was involved in anything so unsatisfactory to himself.

He was very much inclined to feel that it was all right, after all.

Yet the knowledge imparted to him by the chambermaid was rankling in his mind.

He wanted to plunge in with a straight remark of some sort, but he knew not what.
"Where did you go this morning ?" he finally asked weakly.
"Why, I went for a walk," said Carrie.
"Sure you did ?" he asked.
"Yes, what makes you ask ?" She was beginning to see now that he knew something.

Instantly she drew herself into a more reserved position.