“But you know nothing about me,” he protested, “nothing about the property.”
“One must trust somebody,” she replied. “Why shouldn't I trust you?”
He was nonplussed. This woman seemed to have an answer for everything. Besides, when once he had got over the unexpectedness of the thing, it was, of course, a wonderful stroke of fortune for him. Then came a whole rush of thoughts, a glow which he thrust back sternly. It would mean seeing her often; it would mean coming here to her rooms; it would mean, perhaps, that she might come to look upon him as a friend. He set his teeth hard. This was folly!
“Have you any idea about terms?” he inquired.
She laughed softly.
“My dear friend,” she said, “why do you ask me such a question? You know quite well that I am not competent to discuss terms with you. Listen. You are engaged in a speculation to carry out which you want the loan of twelve thousand pounds. Draw up a paper in which you state what my share will be of the profits, what interest I shall get for my money, and give particulars of the property. Then I will take it to my solicitor, if you insist upon it, although I am willing to accept what you think is fair.”
“You must take it to a solicitor, of course,” he answered, thoughtfully. “I may as well tell you at once, however, that he will probably advise you against investing it in such a way.”
“That will make no difference at all,” she declared. “Solicitors hate all investments, I know, except their horrid mortgages. There are only two conditions that I shall make.”
“What are they?” he asked.
“The first is that you must not say a word of this to my sister.”