was reacting to the urge of a growing desire to stay where he wasn't
wanted. He didn't reason about it. He did not even admit it. But it
moved in his mind.

"I'm not fretting at all about being tied up here," he went on
cheerfully. "I find the air quite stimulating. I believe I could
work here. In fact, I have some notes with me which I may elaborate.
I fancy that, as you said in your letters, Miss Farr will prove a
most capable secretary. I am going to ask her to help me."

"Are you indeed?" The doctor's tone was polite but absent.

"You do not object, I hope?"

"Object--why should I object? But Desire is busy, very busy. I doubt
if her duties will spare her. I doubt it very much."

"Naturally, I should wish to offer her ample remuneration."

Again the loose lines of the strange old face seemed to sharpen.
There was a growing eagerness in the pale eyes . . . but it died.

"Even in that case," said Dr. Farr regretfully, "I fear it will be
impossible."

Spence pressed this particular point no further. He had found out
what he wanted to know, namely, that his host's desire to see the
last of him was stronger even than his desire for money. His own
desire to see more of his host strengthened in proportion.