"Isn't he in a nasty, horrid, cross mood?" she demanded, with an affected glance at an imaginary audience. "No, but seriously, John! I do want to give you a little advice. I suppose it's tactless of me to talk about advising the great man, but don't bite my head off." "In what capacity?" the great man asked. "You've forgotten to specify the precise carnivore that will perform the operation." "Oh dear, aren't we sarcastic this afternoon?" she asked, opening wide her eyes. "However, you're not going to frighten me, because I'm determined to have it out with you, even if you order the dog-cart before dinner. Johnnie, is it fair to let a complete stranger make mischief among relations?" John played the break in Eleanor's voice with beautiful ease. "I will not have Miss Hamilton's name dragged into these sordid family squabbles," he asseverated. "I'm not going to say a word against Miss Hamilton. I think she's a charming young woman--a little too charming perhaps for you, you susceptible old goose." "For goodness sake," John begged, "stick to the jungle and leave the farmyard alone." "Now you're not going to rag me out of what I'm going to say. You know that I'm a real Bohemian who doesn't pay attention to the stupid little conventionalities that, for instance, Hilda or Edith might consider. Therefore I'm sure you won't misunderstand me when I warn you about people talking. Of course, you and I are accustomed to the freedom of the profession, and as far as I'm concerned you might engage half a dozen handsome lady secretaries without my even noticing it. But the others don't understand. They think it's funny." "Good heavens, what are you trying to suggest?" John demanded. He could manage the break, but this full pitch made him slog wildly. "_I_'m not trying to suggest anything. I'm simply telling you what other people may think. You see, after all, Hilda and Edith couldn't help noticing that you did allow Miss Hamilton to make mischief between you and your brother. I dare say James was in the wrong; but is it a part of a secretary's duties to manage her employer? And James _is_ your brother. The natural deduction for conventional people like Hilda and Edith was that--now, don't be annoyed at what I'm going to say, but I always speak out--I'm famous for my frankness. Well, to put it frankly, they think that Miss Hamilton can twist you round her little finger. Then, of course, they ask themselves why, and for conventional people like Hilda and Edith there's only one explanation. Of course, I told them it was all nonsense and that you were as innocent as an old lamb. I dare say you don't mind people talking. That's your business, but I shouldn't have been a good pal if I hadn't warned you that people will talk, if they aren't talking already."