The theme was not exhilarating, and Sir Roderick's tenant soon grew very tired of it; the presentment of truth, indeed, essential or otherwise, not being a matter that concerned him.
But in the course of an inspection of Sir Roderick's consciousness, he had come across something that appeared worth following up, and toward it he proceeded to direct his entertainer's conversation.
"I say, Morewood," said Ayre, breaking in on the discourse, "do you think it's fair to keep that fellow Stafford in the dark ?" "Is he in the dark ?" "It's a queer thing, but he is.

I never knew a man who was in love before without knowing it,--they say women are that way,--but then I never met a 'Father' before." "What do you propose, since you insist on gossiping ?" "It isn't gossip; it's Christian feeling.

Some one ought to tell the poor beggar." "Perhaps you'd like to." "I should, but it would seem like a liberty, and I never take liberties.
You do constantly, so you might as well take this one." "I like that! Why, the man's a stranger! If he ought to be told at all, Lane's the man to do it." "Yes, but you see, Lane--" "That's quite true; I forgot.

But isn't he better left alone to get over it ?" Sir Roderick, unprejudiced, might have conceded the point.

But the prompter intervened.
"What I'm thinking about is this: is it fair to her?
I don't say she's in love with him, but she admires him immensely.