He must have been observing her, putting two and two together.

After a pause he said simply: "When I first came here I thought you were governess to these girls.

My sister didn't say a word about you to me." Then Flora spoke for the first time.
"Mrs.Fyne is my best friend." "So she is mine," he said without the slightest irony or bitterness, but added with conviction: "That shows you what life ashore is.

Much better be out of it." As they were approaching the cottage he was heard again as though a long silent walk had not intervened: "But anyhow I shan't ask her anything about you." He stopped short and she went on alone.

His last words had impressed her.