"because you did not know me from Adam----I have been trying to see you
for some time," she continued.

"It has been my loss that you have not succeeded. Allow me to give you
a chair."

She flushed and seemed not at all comfortable. This grave young man
could not be laughing at her; of course not; she was good-looking and
had on a new dress; but she felt all her customary assurance leaving
her, and was annoyed. She tried to call up an easy and gay demeanor,
but the effort was not entirely successful. She said, "I called this
morning--it may surprise you to receive a visit from a young lady----"

"I am too much pleased to leave room for surprise."

She looked sharply at him to see if she were being derided, but through
her glasses she perceived no derision in his smile. He was saying to
himself, "This is a very beautiful girl who wants to beg or to borrow.
I wonder whether it is for herself or for some 'Committee'? The longer
she talks the more I shall have to give. But I do not believe she is
near-sighted."

She plucked up her courage and said:

"My name is Miss Maud Matchin."

Farnham bowed, and rejoined:

"My name is----"