"I had to come East on business," Davenant explained, at once.
Olivia hastened to corroborate this statement. "Aunt Vic wanted Mr. Davenant to come—to settle up all the things—"
"And I had another reason," Davenant interrupted, nervously. "I was just beginning to tell Miss Guion about it when you came in. I've a job out there—in my work—that would suit Mr. Guion. It would be quite in his line—legal adviser to a company—and would give him occupation. He'd be earning money, and wouldn't feel laid aside; and if he was ill I could look after him as well as any one. I—I'd like it."
Olivia looked inquiringly at Ashley. Her eyes were misty.
"Hadn't you better talk to him about it?" Ashley said.
"I thought I'd better speak to you and Miss Guion first. I understand you've offered to—to take him—"
"I shouldn't interfere with what suited him better, in any case. By the way, how did you like the Louisiana?"
Davenant's jaw dropped. His blue eyes were wide with amazement. It was Olivia who undertook to speak, with a little air of surprise that Ashley should make such an odd mistake.
"Mr. Davenant wasn't on the Louisiana. It was Aunt Vic. Mr. Davenant has just come from the West. You do that by train."
"Of course he was on the Louisiana. Landed on the—let me see!—she sailed again yesterday!—landed on the 20th, didn't you?"