"What do you know about that?"

"Ah, you admit it then?" the girl exclaimed, with an eager laugh.

"I don't in the least admit it," said Bernard, conscious only for the
moment of the duty of loyalty to his friend and feeling that negation
here was simply a point of honor.

"I trust more to my own conviction than to your denial. You have engaged
to bring your superior wisdom and your immense experience to bear upon
me! That 's the understanding."

"You must think us a pretty pair of wiseacres," said Bernard.

"There it is--you already begin to answer for what I think. When Mr.
Wright comes back you will be able to tell him that I am 'outrageous'!"
And she turned away and walked on, slowly following her companions.

"What do you care what I tell him?" Bernard asked. "You don't care a
straw."

She said nothing for a moment, then, suddenly, she stopped again,
dropping her eyes.

"I beg your pardon," she said, very gently; "I care a great deal. It 's
as well that you should know that."

Bernard stood looking at her; her eyes were still lowered.