'That is my affair,' answered the Greek. 'I have my own views about the value of the invention, and I have no time to lose. What shall we say, Mrs. Rushmore.'
'I wish Margaret were here,' said the good lady vaguely.
'I'm very glad she is not. Now, tell me what I am to write, please.'
He produced a fountain pen and was already writing the date. The pen was evidently one specially made to suit his tastes, for it was of gold, the elaborate chasing was picked out with small rubies and a large brilliant was set in the end of the cap. Mrs. Rushmore could not help looking at it, and in her prim way she wondered how any man who was not an adventurer or a sort of glorified commercial traveller could carry such a thing. There was an unpleasant fascination in the mere look of it, and she watched it move instead of answering.
'Yes?' said Logotheti, looking up interrogatively. 'What shall we say?'
'I—I honestly don't know what to say,' Mrs. Rushmore answered, really confused by the suddenness of the man's proposal. I suppose—no—you must let me consult my lawyer.'
'I am sorry,' said Logotheti, 'but I cannot afford to waste so much time. Allow me to be your man of business. How much were you suing Mr. Moon for?'
'Half a million dollars,' answered Mrs. Rushmore.
'Have you been paying your lawyer, or was he to get a percentage on the sum recovered?'
'I have paid him about seventeen thousand, so far.'