“Your business would not wait until morning?”
“I chose this hour, Miss Lee,” he said, pompously. “Dislike to be watched. Whole village watches me.... Doubtless very natural, but annoying.”
“I fancied we said all it was needful to say on our last meeting.”
“Time for reflection. Allowed you time to cool.... Hot youth. Er—must confess I admired your—er—force of character.”
“I’m sure I’m grateful.”
“Be seated. Can’t talk standing up,” he said, as a potentate might invite some favored subject to be at ease in his august presence. “Wish to discuss your affairs.”
“I don’t,” said Carmel, “with you.”
“Um!... How old would you say I am?”
“I’ve never given your age a thought.”
“Fifty-two,” he said, “and well preserved. Well preserved. Careful living. Good habits.”