"I'm afraid I can't accept your invitation, even with the special inducement of being able to break the law with impunity."
"Sorry. Well, good-bye—I'm off." His manner lost its flippancy, and there was genuine feeling in his voice as he added: "Good-bye, Miss Marsh. Whatever happens I'm really and truly glad I had this chat with you, but I'm afraid I did most of the talking. Good-bye."
"Good-bye, Mr. Chase," she said, extending her hand.
The door closed and Paula returned slowly to the table.
"A curious boy," she murmured, more to herself than to her companion. "I rather like him."
"Do you?" exclaimed Harry blankly, looking at her over his gold eyeglasses. Awkwardly he went on: "I'm glad he's gone. I wanted to say something to you. Miss Marsh—I—I've thought it all over——"
Paula resumed her seat and took up a book.
"Now, Harry," she laughed, "you're going to propose again. I can see it in your face. Please don't. There's a good boy."
"I was only going to say," he stammered, "that the name of Parkes is at your disposal."
"That's very kind, but——"