Wingrave shook his head.
“You would not suit me at all,” he answered.
“Why not?” Aynesworth asked. “I forget whether I mentioned all my accomplishments. I am an Oxford man with a degree, and I can write tolerable English. I’ve a fair head for figures, and I don’t require too large a salary.”
“Exactly,” Wingrave answered drily. “You are altogether too desirable? I should not require an Admirable Crichton for my purpose.”
Aynesworth remained unruffled.
“All right,” he said. “You know best, of course! Suppose you tell me what sort of a man would satisfy you!”
“Why should I?” Wingrave asked coldly.
“It would amuse me,” Aynesworth answered, “and I’ve come a mile or so out of my way, and given up a whole morning to come and see you. Go on! It won’t take long!”
Wingrave shrugged his shoulders.
“I will not remind you,” he said, “that you came on your own initiative. I owe you the idea, however, so I will tell you the sort of person I shall look out for. In the first place, I do not require him to be a gentleman.”