"Thanks! It's this: I want to make things pleasant for you all. I've been wondering in my own mind why you came here. You won't misunderstand me. But why?"
"Have you forgotten your invitation?"
"No. But its acceptance was an unexpected piece of luck. There isn't much here to amuse you. What's the real reason?"
She looked full at him, and then dropped her eyes; her fingers plucked blades of grass and cast them aside.
"I don't think I know the answer," she replied at last. "For one thing, I thought I might help you—if you'd let me."
"Help me! How?"
"With money. You and the others."
"Good Lord!" he ejaculated. "Whatever put that in your head?"
"The only letter you ever wrote me. I could read between the lines. Afterward Mr. Wade told me more. But he wouldn't take what I offered."
"I should say not—if you offered money. He was right."