Page 12 (1/1)

His voice was not caressing or complimentary--merely as if the fact had forced this utterance

I allowed ood as you hoped?" I asked, syed hborhood Thus he was some way off, and could realize oing to talk of port I want you to tell me a lot more about yourself, and your plans----"

"I have no plans--except to see the world"

He picked up a book and put it down again; he was not perfectly calm

"I don't think I shall let you I aht to have some one to take care of you--you are not of the type that ether safe to roauidly, "I know all about that Mrs Carruthers said no one with this co to try It will be quite simple"

He rose quickly fro fire, such a comical expression on his face

"You are the quaintest child I have ever met," he said

"I a I can"

He went over towards the sofa again and arranged the cushions--great, splendid, fat pillows of old Italian brocade, stiff with gold and silver

"Come!" he pleaded "Sit here beside me, and let us talk; you are miles away there, and I want to--make you see reason"

I rose at once and came slowly to where he pointed I settled myself deliberately There was one cushion of purple and silver right under the light, and there I rested my head

"Now talk!" I said, and half closedmyself! The first time I have ever been alone with a real enerals--used always to tell row into an attractive woman--now I meant to try what I could do

Mr Carruthers remained silent, but he sat down beside ht into ain

"Do you know, you are a very disturbing person," he said, at last, by way of a beginning

"What is that?" I asked