<strong>Wait, you misunderstand my meaning.  I seek only information from you, and from Maddie as well, for now.</strong>Picking up the letter that she had handed him he slipped it deftly into a pocket on the inside of his vest.<strong>May I speak with you away from prying eyes and ears?</strong>He cast his eyes around the room making sure he emphasized the members of the table that had harassed her earlier.<strong>If you can not speak privately with me then answer me here, I would know if what transpired earlier between you and those men earlier was a regular occurrence?  Do they often manhandle the ladies of this establishment as they did then?  It is not something I can abide and wish only to provide them with a lesson in manners if in fact they need one.  There would be no repercussion on you or any staff of this fine inn.  Say what you will, softly and then go as if I have completed my meal and seek nothing else from you.  Although I would appreciate if you conveyed my pleasure to Maddie for this morning’s fine meal, and that if I am lodging here this night I would greatly enjoy her company after dinner for a drink and dessert.         </strong>