She gave him a quick, half-startled smile. "Of course not."
He turned to the door which the waiting servant was holding open, and strode out with annoyed majesty.
Dinah watched him till the door closed; then very suddenly and urgently she turned to Scott.
"Oh, please, will you help me?" she said.
He gave her a straight, keen look that seemed to penetrate to her soul.
"If it lies in my power," he said slowly.
She caught her breath, pierced by a sharp uncertainty. "You can. I'm sure you can," she said.
He set down his cup. "Dinah," he said gently, "don't ask me to interfere in your affairs if you can by any means manage without!"
"But that's just it!" she said in distress. "I can't."
He leaned forward. "My dear, don't be agitated!" he said. "Tell me what is the matter!"
Dinah leaned forward also, her hands tightly clasped, and spoke in a rapid whisper.