And the inconsolability of Dora-- "If I did come she would be bored to death," said I.
"She is willing to risk it." "But why should she seek martyrdom ?" "There is another reason," said my aunt, ignoring my pertinent question, but glancing at me reassuringly "there is another reason why it would be well for you to come on this cruise with us." She sank her voice.

"You met Miss Gascoigne in the park last week--" "A very charming and kind young lady," said I.
"I am afraid you have been a little indiscreet.

People have been talking." "Then theirs, not mine, is the indiscretion." "But, my dear Marcus, when you spring a good-looking young person, whom you introduce as your Mohammedan ward, upon London society, and she makes a scene in public--why--what else have people got to talk about ?" "They might fall back upon the doctrine of predestination or the price of fish," I replied urbanely.
"But I assure you, Marcus, that there is a hint of scandal abroad.

It is actually said that she is living here." "People will say anything, true or untrue," said I.
My aunt sighfully acquiesced, and for a while we discussed the depravity of human nature.
"I have been thinking," she said at last, "that if you brought your ward to see us, and she could accompany us on this cruise to Norway, the scandal would be scotched outright." She glanced at me very keenly, and beneath her indulgent smile I saw the hardness of the old campaigner.

It was a clever trap she had prepared for me.
I took her hand and in my noblest manner, like the exiled vicomte in costume drama, bent over it and kissed her finger-tips.
"I thank you, my dear aunt, for your generous faith in my integrity," I said, "and I assure you your confidence is well founded." A loud, gay laugh from the other room interrupted me.
"Are you two rehearsing private theatricals ?" cried Dora.