"And why should that disturb me?" asked she, tranquilly. "I do as
I please. I don't concern myself about what others think. Your
friend interests me. I've a curiosity to see whether he has
improved in the last two or three years as much as he says he
has."

"He told you all about himself?"

"Everything--and nothing."

"That's just it!" exclaimed Arkwright, misunderstanding her.
"After he has talked me into a state of collapse, every word about
himself and his career, I think it all over, and wonder whether
there's anything to the man or not. Sometimes I think there's a
real person beneath that flow of vanity. Then, again, I think
not."

"Whether he's an accident or a plan," mused the young woman; but
she saw that Arkwright did not appreciate the cleverness and the
penetration of her remark. Indeed, she knew in advance that he
would not, for she knew his limitations. "Now," thought she,
"Craig would have appreciated it--and clapped me on the arm--or
knee."

"Did you like Josh?" Grant was inquiring.

"Very much, indeed."

"Of course," said Arkwright satirically.