Ryder still held the telephone, hesitating what to do. What she said sounded like good sense.
“Upon my word—” he said. “You may be right and yet—”
“Am I to help you or not?” demanded Shirley. “You said you wanted a woman's wit.”
“Yes,” said Ryder, “but still—”
“Then you had better see him,” she said emphatically.
Ryder turned to the telephone.
“Hello, Jorkins, are you there? Show Judge Stott up here.” He laid the receiver down and turned again to Shirley. “That's one thing I don't like about you,” he said. “I allow you to decide against me and then I agree with you.” She said nothing and he went on looking at her admiringly. “I predict that you'll bring that boy to your feet within a month. I don't know why, but I seem to feel that he is attracted to you already. Thank Heaven! you haven't a lot of troublesome relations. I think you said you were almost alone in the world. Don't look so serious,” he added laughing. “Jeff is a fine fellow, and believe me an excellent catch as the world goes.”
Shirley raised her hand as if entreating him to desist.