“This is part of the examination, I suppose,” she said.
Bernard hesitated an instant.
“What examination?”
“The one you have undertaken—on Mr. Wright’s behalf.”
“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.