"Did it hurt you very much to tell us that ?" she asked.
The Colonel laughed.

"I know what you mean, and if you put me on my mettle, I'll retract.

After all, it was no great credit to him, because blood will tell, and he is, of course, a Courthorne." Almost without her intention, Maud Barrington's eyes wandered towards the photograph, and then looking up she met those of her aunt, and once more saw the thought that troubled her in them.
"The Courthorne blood is responsible for a good deal more than discretion," said Miss Barrington, who went out quietly.
Her brother appeared a trifle perplexed.

"Now, I fancied your aunt had taken him under her wing, and when I was about to suggest that, considering the connection between the families, we might ask him over to dinner occasionally, she goes away," he said.
The girl looked down a moment, for realizing that her uncle recognized the obligation he was under to the man he did not like, she remembered that she herself owed him considerably more, and he had asked for something in return.

It was not altogether easy to grant, but she had tacitly pledged herself, and turning suddenly she laid a hand on Barrington's arm.
"Of course, but I want to talk of something else just now," she said.
"You know I have very seldom asked you questions about my affairs, but I wish to take a little practical interest in them this year." "Yes ?" said Barrington, with a smile.