Again she was silent.

He went on eagerly. "Why shouldn't I stay--for a time at least? I
have plenty of work to go on with. Indeed it was with the definite
intention of doing this work that I came. If you want me, I'll stay
right enough. The bargain that was made with your father was a
straight, fair business arrangement. I have no scruples about
requiring him to carry out his part of it The trouble was that it
seemed as if insistence would be unfair to you. But if you and I can
arrange that--if you will agree to let me do what I can to help,
chores, you know, carrying wood and so on, then I should not need to
feel myself a burden."

"You have not been a burden."

"Thanks. You have been extraordinarily kind. As for the rest of it--
I mentioned the matter to Dr. Farr this morning."

She was interested now. He could see her eyes, intent, through the
falling shadow of her hair.

"I reminded him that he had offered me the services of a secretary
and explained that I was ready to avail myself of his offer."

"And what did he say to that?"

"Well--er--we agreed to leave the decision to you."

"Was that all?"