They would be able to look after you." "You are very kind," I said again, "but I am afraid that I could not take advantage of such an offer." "Why not ?" "I have no claim upon you or your father," I answered.

"We are almost strangers, are we not?
I might accept and be grateful for employment, but this is charity." "A very conventional reply, Mr.Ducaine," she remarked, with faint sarcasm.

"I gave you credit for a larger view of things." I found her still inexplicable.

She was evidently annoyed, and yet she did not seem to wish me to be.

There was a cloud upon her face and a nervousness in her manner which I wholly failed to understand.
"If I were to tell you," she said, raising her eyes suddenly to mine, "that your acceptance of my offer would be a favour--would put me under a real obligation to you ?" "I should still have to remind you," I declared, "that as yet I have no pupils, and it takes time to get them.