She seemed indifferent.

"Any light wine," she answered, carelessly, "white or red."

Tavernake took up the wine list and ordered sauterne. They were
left alone in their corner for a few minutes, almost the only
occupants of the place.

"You are sure that you can afford this?" she asked, looking at
him critically. "It may cost you a sovereign or thirty
shillings."

He studied the prices on the menu.

"I can afford it quite well and I have plenty of money with me,"
he assured her, "but I do not think that it will cost more than
eighteen shillings. While we are waiting for the sole, shall we
talk? I can tell you, if you choose to hear, why I followed you
from the boardinghouse."

"I don't mind listening to you," she told him, "or I will talk
with you about anything you like. There is only one subject
which I cannot discuss; that subject is myself and my own
doings."

Tavernake was silent for a moment.

"That makes conversation a bit difficult," he remarked. She
leaned back in her chair.