You spoke only about twice at lunch.

I shouldn't care for him to get the idea you're piqued because he's come here so little lately, should you ?" "No, I shouldn't," Mildred answered in a low voice, and with that she turned quickly, and came to sit near her mother.

"But it's what I am afraid of! Mama, did you notice how red he got ?" "You mean when he was caught not listening to a question of mine?
Yes; it's very becoming to him." "Mama, I don't think that was the reason.

I don't think it was because he wasn't listening, I mean." "No ?" "I think his colour and his not listening came from the same reason," Mildred said, and although she had come to sit near her mother, she did not look at her.

"I think it happened because you and papa----" She stopped.
"Yes ?" Mrs.Palmer said, good-naturedly, to prompt her.