I realized, however, that the occasion was critical, and I ignored her proximity.
"Miss Moyat," I said, "I am sorry if asking you to tell that harmless little fib has made you miserable.

I simply desired--" "It isn't altogether that," she interrupted.

"You know it isn't." "You give me credit for greater powers of divination than I possess," I answered calmly.

"Your father was always very kind to me, and I can assure you that I have not forgotten it.

But I have work to do now, and I have scarcely an hour to spare.