“I—I don’t feel like eating,” said Miss Smith.
Now, however, she was not so anxious for Mr. Powers to go away and let her think, and he did not go.
“Look here!” he said firmly. “Miss Smith, are you a good judge of character?”
“We-ell, yes,” replied Miss Smith. “Yes, I think so.[Pg 242]”
There is no one in the world who does not think the same thing. Just ask anybody!
“Then please look at me,” said Mr. Powers.
She raised her eyes to his face, only for an instant, and then glanced away.
“Do you think I have an honest face?” he asked. “Trustworthy?”
“Ye-es,” said Miss Smith.
“Then won’t you trust me? Tell me what’s wrong. I’m older than you, and I’ve knocked about a lot. I’ve been up against all sorts of difficulties, and I know pretty well how to get out of them. You’re here, all alone. You’re very young and very—” Again he paused. “Very much worried,” he continued; “and if you would tell me—”