“How silly of you, Mr. Carr! Of course I do not care what you are! I owe so much to you!”

He wheeled round at that, and faced her.

“Madam, I can bear anything rather than gratitude! Is it only that which has made you tolerate me all this time?”

Her fingers gripped one another.

“Why, sir⁠—why, sir⁠—”

The flame died out of his eyes, and he drew himself up stiffly, speaking with a curtness that surprised her.

“I crave your pardon. I should be whipped at the cart-tail for asking such an impertinent question. Forget it, I beg.”

Diana looked up at the stern face, half amazed, half affronted.