Can you not tell what I have to say ?" "Not in the least," I answered.
It flashed across me that he might have found out who I was, however, and wanted to speak of the old trouble.
"Well," he said at last, growing yet redder, "the Lady Elfrida is angry that her name has been coupled with yours pretty much lately." He stopped with a long breath, and I knew what he was driving at.
"She has told me as much herself already," I said solemnly.
He heaved a sigh of relief.
"But she did not tell me that," he said in a puzzled sort of way.
"Well, it must not go on, or--or else, that is, I shall have to see that it does not." "The worst of it is that I cannot help it," said I."Did the lady ask you to speak to me of the matter ?" "Why, no; she did not.

Only, I thought that some one must.

Of course, I mean that I will fight you if it goes on." "Of course," I said.

"But I can in no wise stop it.

Do you know how it began ?" "Not altogether.