And--and--though I would like to know your eldest brother immensely, I think I won't come to Baronmead if Nap is there.

My father doesn't want me to meet him--unless I am obliged." She uttered the last words in evident distress.

Bertie's face had grown quite serious, even stern.

He was looking at her with a directness which for the first time in their acquaintance she found disconcerting.
He did not speak for several seconds.

At length, "How old are you ?" he said abruptly.
"Eighteen," she murmured.
He continued to look at her speculatively.