"Several weeks, anyhow," he said, looking steadily into her eyes.

There was much more passing now than the mere words indicated.
He recognised the indescribable thing that made up for
fascination and beauty in her. She realised that she was of
interest to him from the one standpoint which a woman both
delights in and fears. Her manner was simple, though for the very
reason that she had not yet learned the many little affectations
with which women conceal their true feelings. Some things she
did appeared bold. A clever companion--had she ever had one--
would have warned her never to look a man in the eyes so
steadily.

"Why do you ask?" she said.

"Well, I'm going to be there several weeks. I'm going to study
stock at our place and get new samples. I might show you
'round."

"I don't know whether you can or not. I mean I don't know
whether I can. I shall be living with my sister, and----"

"Well, if she minds, we'll fix that." He took out his pencil and
a little pocket note-book as if it were all settled. "What is
your address there?"

She fumbled her purse which contained the address slip.

He reached down in his hip pocket and took out a fat purse. It
was filled with slips of paper, some mileage books, a roll of