"Do you want me to invent something different?" Bernard asked. "I can't
invent anything better."

"I don't want you to invent anything. I only want you to observe her--to
study her in complete independence. You will have her to yourself--my
absence will leave you at liberty. Hang it, sir," Gordon declared, "I
should think you would like it!"

"Damn it, sir, you 're delicious!" Bernard answered; and he broke into
an irrepressible laugh. "I don't suppose it 's for my pleasure that you
suggest the arrangement."

Gordon took a turn about the room again.

"No, it 's for mine. At least, it 's for my benefit."

"For your benefit?"

"I have got all sorts of ideas--I told you the other day. They are all
mixed up together and I want a fresh impression."

"My impressions are never fresh," Bernard replied.

"They would be if you had a little good-will--if you entered a little
into my dilemma." The note of reproach was so distinct in these words
that Bernard stood staring. "You never take anything seriously," his
companion went on.

Bernard tried to answer as seriously as possible.