Yet for a moment a queer sense of apprehension troubled her.

Was it true, she wondered, that she did not like the man?
She banished the thought almost as soon as it was conceived.

The very idea was absurd! His manner towards her had always been perfectly respectful.

He seemed equally devoid of sex or character.
She withdrew her gaze and turned once more towards her father.
"Do you think that you can really spare him, daddy," she asked, "and that it will be necessary ?" "Not altogether necessary, I dare say," Lord Ashleigh admitted.

"On the other hand, I feel sure that you will find him a comfort, and it would be rather a relief to me to know that there is some one in touch with you all the time in whom I place absolute confidence.