"Well, I have told you," says he coldly.

"It is a mistake," says the professor. "He would not dare to
approach a young, innocent girl. The most honorable proposal such a
man as he could make to her would be basely dishonorable."

"Ah! you see it in that light too," says Hardinge, with a touch of
relief. "My dear fellow, it is hard for me to discuss him with you,
but yet I fear it must be done. Did you notice nothing in his manner
last night?"

Yes, the professor _had_ noticed something. Now there comes back to
him that tall figure stooping over Perpetua, the handsome, leering
face bent low--the girl's instinctive withdrawal.

"Something must be done," says he.

"Yes. And quickly. Young girls are sometimes dazzled by men of his
sort. And Per--Miss Wynter-- Look here, Curzon," breaking off
hurriedly. "This is _your_ affair, you know. You are her guardian.
You should see to it."

"I could speak to her."

"That would be fatal. She is just the sort of girl to say 'Yes' to
him because she was told to say 'No.'"

"You seem to have studied her," says the professor quietly.