But," he stopped, suddenly realizing what he was saying, "why do you ask ?" I was not wholly prepared to say, yet as instantly comprehended the prompt necessity of advancing some reasonable explanation.

There came to me swiftly, from the sharpness of his question, the paralyzing knowledge that I was a servant addressing my master.
"Of course it is no business of mine," I confessed, rather lamely, "who your guests are.

I'm sorry I spoke." "It is altogether too late to say that," he insisted.

"Some thought prompted the inquiry.

Go on.