She talked easily and naturally, and he flattered himself that he was making a good impression.

When at last he rose to take his leave, he made one more venture.
"I don't know," he said, "whether you get bothered by your uncle's business affairs at all while he is laid up, but I hope you will remember that if I can be of any service, I am practically one of his partners, and I understand all his affairs.

You must please send for me if I can be of the slightest use to you." She had apparently listened to him for the first part of his sentence with her usual air of polite interest.

Suddenly, however, she started, and her attention wandered.

She crossed quickly toward the bell and rang it.
"Thank you so much, Mr.Littleson," she said.