I want to talk to you." Shirley demurred.

No, she could not spare the time.

Yet, she thought to herself, why was not this a good opportunity to explain to Jefferson how he came to find her in his father's library masquerading under another name, and also to ask him to secure the letters for her?
While she pondered Jefferson insisted, and a few minutes later she found herself sitting beside him in the cab.
They started off at a brisk pace, Shirley sitting with her head back, enjoying the strong breeze caused by the rapid motion.
"Now tell me," he said, "what does it all mean?
I was so startled at seeing you in the library the other day that I almost betrayed you.

How did you come to call on father ?" Briefly Shirley explained everything.

She told him how Mr.Ryder had written to her asking her to call and see him, and how she had eagerly seized at this last straw in the hope of helping her father.