"There's nothing very wrong with you, is there? Nothing but what can
be put right."

"No."

"Well then, you can begin again. And begin properly."

"I am thirty-five."

"In that case you have no time to waste."

It was a thoroughly sensible remark. But somehow the professor did
not like it. After all, thirty-five is not so terribly old. He
decided to change the subject. But there was no immediate hurry. It
was pleasant to lie there in the firelight watching this enigma of
girl-hood dry her hair. Perhaps she would notice his silence and ask
him what he was thinking about.

"You really ought to offer me a penny for my thoughts," he observed
plaintively.

"Oh, were you thinking? So was I."

"I'll give you a penny for yours!"

Desire shook her head.

"No? Then I'll give you mine for nothing. I was thinking what a pity
it is that you are only an amateur nurse."