She took his silence for hesitation, and continued a little anxiously.
“I really won't ask you many questions, and it would do me quite a lot of good to get an interview with you. Of course I oughtn't to have begun this sketch without permission. If you mind that, I'll give it up.”
He found his tongue awkwardly, but vigorously.
“You can sketch just as long as ever you please, and make what use of it you like,” he said. “It's only a bit of a place though!”
“How nice of you! And the interview?”
“I'll tell you whatever you want to know,” he said quietly.
She could scarcely believe in her good fortune, especially when she remembered the description of the man which one of the staff had given. He was gruff, vulgar, ill-tempered; the chief ought to be kicked for letting her go near him! This was what she had been told. She laughed softly to herself.
“It is very good indeed of you, Mr. Trent,” she said earnestly. “I was quite nervous about coming, for I had no idea that you would be so kind. Shall I finish my sketch first, and then perhaps you will be able to spare me a few minutes for the interview?”
“Just as you like,” he answered. “May I look at it?”
“Certainly,” she answered, holding out the block; “but it isn't half finished yet.”
“Will it take long?”
“About an hour, I think.”
“You are very clever,” he said, with a little sigh.
She laughed outright.
“People are calling you the cleverest man in London to-day,” she said.
“Pshaw! It isn't the cleverness that counts for anything that makes money.”
Then he set his teeth hard together and swore vigorously but silently. She had become suddenly interested in her work. A shrill burst of laughter from the lawn in front had rung sharply out, startling them both. A
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