It was very pleasant to him to see her sitting there, in her trim serge dress, with its broad white collar and cuffs--the sheen of her hair against the dark wall--her shapely hands ready for work upon his table.

He felt as if he had with enormous difficulty captured--recaptured--something of exceptional value; like one of those women 'skilled in beautiful arts' whom the Greek slave-raiders used to carry off from a conquered city, and sell for large sums to the wives of wealthy Greek chieftains.

Till now he had scarcely thought of her as a woman, but rather as a fine-edged but most serviceable tool which he had had the extraordinary good luck to find.

Now, with his mere selfish feeling of relief there mingled something rather warmer and more human.

If only she would stay, he would honestly try and make life agreeable to her.
'Well now, that's settled,' he said, drawing a long breath--'Oh--except one thing--you will of course want a larger salary ?' 'Not at all,' said Elizabeth decidedly.