"I hope I ain't disturbin' you, Miss Deane," he said.
Clancy stared at him. She had never felt so completely in command of a situation.
"That depends," she said curtly. "If you are to annoy me further——"
Spofford's grin was extremely conciliating.
"Aw, don't hit a man when he's down, Miss Deane. Every one has to be a sucker once in a while. It ain't every guy that's willin' to admit it, apologize, and ask for a new deal. Now, if I go that far, don't you think you ought to come a little way and meet me?"
Clancy's eyes widened.
"Suppose," she said, "we sit down."
"Thank you, Miss Deane." Spofford's tone was as properly humble as Clancy could possibly have wished. "A nice little friendly talk, me tryin' to show you I'm a regular guy, and you, maybe, bein, a little helpful. That's it—helpful."
He followed her as she led the way into the drawing-room and he seated himself carefully upon the edge of a chair whose slim legs justified his caution.
Clancy sat down opposite him. She leaned the poker against the wall. Spofford laughed.