Why do you ask me this ?" "I cannot tell you, Hester," he said, gravely.

"By the bye, do you think that she is likely to have mentioned my name to him ?" The girl flushed up to her eyebrows.
"I--I don't know! I am sorry," she faltered.

"You know what mother is.

If any one asked her questions she would be more than likely to answer them.
I do hope that she has not been making mischief." He left her anxiety unrelieved.

For some few moments he did not speak at all.