Mr.Devar was, I remember, well informed on the points of the campaign, and seemed to talk of them with equal facility in French and English; but I disliked the man, and determined to make my thoughts known to Isabella.
It was no easy matter to outstay Mr.Devar, but, asserting my position as an old friend, this was at last accomplished.

When we were left alone, Alphonse must have divined my intention in the quick way that was natural to him; for he engaged Lucille and her mother in a discussion of the latest news, which he translated from an evening paper.

Indeed, Lucille and he put their heads together over the journal, and seemed to find it damnably amusing.
"Isabella," I said, "will you allow me to make some inquiries concerning this man Devar before you ask him to your house again ?" "Are you afraid that Mr.Devar will interfere with your own private schemes ?" she replied, in that tone of semi-banter which she often assumed towards me when we were alone.
"Thanks--no.

I am quite capable of taking care of myself, so far as Mr.Devar is concerned.

It is--if you will believe it--in regard to yourself that I have misgivings.