It's flat treason, miss.
Come, did you tell Sir John you were going?"
"No. But he would guess. He is so clever about me. Like you."
"Humph. If he guesses you're a woman, it's all he does. And, damme, I
suppose it's enough. So your curious sex bade you go and pry. Well, and
what did you see in Mr. Harry Boyce?"
"I suppose you are scolding me," said Susan placidly.
"With all my heart."
"Oh. Why do you ride that horse?"
"Damme, miss, don't wriggle. You had no business at Highgate!"
"He looks as if he had the gout."
Mr. Hadley grinned. "But as you went, let's hear what you saw."
"I always loved Alison."
"Your business is to love your father, Susan--till some other man
asks you."
"I love her better now. She is so happy."
"Damn her impudence," said Mr. Hadley.
"Why did you lose your temper with her?"
"I never lose my temper with any one but you."
"Well. You made my father lose his."
"Ods life, Susan, don't you know it's a man's right to tell women how
they ought to live? Dear Alison wouldn't listen."
Susan laughed. "She has made you look very foolish."
"If she has I'll forgive her."
"Oh. You do then," said Susan.
"On your honour, miss, what did you think of Mr. Harry Boyce?"
"I wondered Alison should love him."
"Ods life, yes.
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