I only say that my daughter isn't even acquainted with the fellow.' 'It is just that drawback which Mr.Conway proposes to remove,' said Clarice demurely.

'Of course,' she went on, 'I should never have thought of inviting him if Mr.Mallinson had not spoken of him so often as his friend.' She directed her sweetest smile to Mallinson.

'You did, didn't you?
Yes! Mr.Drake had been away from England for so long that I thought it would be only kind to ask you to bring him.

But if I had known that papa had any objection, I should naturally never have done it.

I am very sorry.