"That would be too hard a job even for you!" he said.
She rose and put out her free hand to him. Her eyes were very soft and womanly. A quaint little smile yet hovered about her lips.
"I guess I'll have a try," she said gently.
He did not touch her hand, nor would he again meet her eyes.
"A hopeless task, I am afraid," he said. "And utterly unprofitable to all concerned. I am not a deserving object for your charity."
She laughed a trifle breathlessly.
"Say, Mr. West, couldn't you put that into words of one syllable? You try, and perhaps then I'll listen to you, and give you my views as well."
But West remained rigorously unresponsive. It was as if he were thinking of other things.
Cynthia uttered a little sigh and turned to go.
"Good-bye, Mr. West!" she said.