She looked at him steadily.

“Better think it over, Mr. Hurd,” she said. “I am in earnest.”

He hesitated for a moment, and then, with a glance at the clock, moved towards the door.

“Very well,” he said, “I will think it over. I will let you know immediately I return from London.”

She shook her head.

“You can take as long as you like to reflect,” she answered, “but it must be here in this room. Mr. Macheson and I will wait.”

He turned towards her.

“Miss Thorpe-Hatton,” he said, “will you allow me to speak to you alone for two minutes?”

She shook her head.