The Earl looked at her.
“In other words, you don’t intend to answer my questions!”
“No – my Lord.”
“Why not?”
“I would not wish your Lordship to think me impertinent, but my home life is private.”
“Why?”
“For reasons that I am – unable to tell – your Lordship.”
Her eyes met the Earl’s and it seemed as if there was for a moment a battle of wills between them.
Then the Earl said in an exasperated tone,
“Why the hell must you be so secretive and mysterious? I am interested in you and God knows I have little enough to interest me lying here day after day with nothing but my blasted leg to think about!”
“I am – sorry that I should – disappoint your Lordship.”
“But you do not intend to assuage my curiosity?”
“No – my Lord.”
The Earl could not help being amused.
It seemed so extraor
