I shouldn't suggest it to you," she went on, so as to give him time to think, for he sat staring at her, openmouthed, bewildered, his breath coming quickly--"I shouldn't suggest it to you if there were no chances for you in it.

You would be in the thick of public affairs, and an ambitious man might find a path in them that would lead him anywhere.

I've had the idea in my head," she smiled, "for-some time.

But I've only spoken to my brother about it this afternoon--he has been so busy, you see--and I intended to have another talk with him, so as to crystallize things--duties, money, and so forth--before making you any proposal.

I was going to write to you with everything cut and dried.