And--do you know that somehow--just because you have never yet failed me--I thought perhaps--when I asked your confidence a moment ago--" He looked up quickly.
"_What_ is the matter with Gerald ?" she asked.

"Could you tell me ?" "Nothing serious is the matter, Eileen." "Is he not ill ?" "Not very." She lay still a moment, then with the slightest gesture: "Come here." He seated himself near her; she laid her hand fearlessly on his arm.
"Tell me," she demanded.

And, as he remained silent: "Once," she said, "I came suddenly into the library.

Austin and Gerald were there; Austin seemed to be very angry with my brother.

I heard him say something that worried me; and I slipped out before they saw me." Selwyn remained silent.
"Was _that_ it ?" "I--don't know what you heard." "_Don't_ you understand me ?" "Not exactly." "Well, then"-- she crimsoned--"has Gerald m-misbehaved again ?" "What did you hear Austin say ?" he demanded.
"I heard--something about dissipation.