It will keep you clean and safe as well." Her face clouded for the first time.
"I have not dared to think of that," she said.

"So long as we came in the special train, with none to molest or make me afraid--afraid with that fear which a woman must always have--we did well enough, as I have said; but now, here in the open, in public, before the eyes of all, who am I, and who are you to me?
I am not your mother ?" "Scarcely, at twenty three or four." He pursed a judicial lip.
"Nor your sister ?" "No." [Illustration: The _Mount Vernon_] "Nor your wife ?" "No." He flushed here, although he answered simply.
"Nor your assistant in any way ?" His face lighted suddenly.
"Why not ?" said he.

"Can't you be my amanuensis,--that sort of thing, you see?
Come, we must think of this.

This is where my conscience hurts me--I can't bear to have _my_ duty hurt _you_.
That, my dear Countess, cuts me to the quick.

You will believe that, won't you ?" "Yes, I believe that.