The thought of what he might have been to her, had he taken the
chance she had given him, never occurred to her. This possibility
had already reached the historical stage in her mind.
She made a few pencil notes on the list; and went back to the study.
Her mind was made up.
She was quite businesslike and calm, did not manifest the slightest
disapproval, but seemed to simply accept everything as facts. She
asked Leonard a few questions on subjects regarding which she had
made notes, such as discounts. Then she held the paper out to him
and without any preliminary remark said:
'Will you please put the names to these?'
'How do you mean?' he asked, flushing.
'The names of the persons to whom these sums marked "debt of honour"
are due.' His reply came quickly, and was a little aggressive; he
thought this might be a good time to make a bluff:
'I do not see that that is necessary. I can settle them when I have
the money.' Slowly and without either pause or flurry Stephen
replied, looking him straight in the eyes as she handed him the
papers:
'Of course it is not necessary! Few things in the world really are!
I only wanted to help you out of your troubles; but if you do not
wish me to .
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