"I don't know," Gifford replied, set back by her manner. "Except that I
have no high opinion of the fellow. It occurred to me he might possibly
attempt to persecute you."
She glanced round at him curiously with a little disdainful smile. "What
makes you think he would do that?" she returned.
Her attitude was to him not convincing. He felt there was a certain
reservation beneath the rather cutting tone. "I am glad to know there is
no question of that," he replied with quiet earnestness. "I hope if
anything of the kind should occur and you should need a friend you will
not overlook me."
"You are very kind," she responded, but without turning towards him. He
thought, however, that her low tone had softened, and it gave him hope.
"I should scarcely take upon myself to suggest this," he said, "but I am
emboldened by two facts. One that you have already asked me to be your
ally, your friend, in this business, the other that there is something
about Henshaw and his actions which I do not understand. I hope you will
forgive my boldness."
His companion had glanced round now, keenly, as though to probe for the
meaning which might lie beneath his words.
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