Barbara waited in expectant silence.
Jarvis hesitated, studying her downcast face.
“I want you to promise me,” he said slowly, “that you will not yield to the importunities of—of Whitcomb. No; don’t interrupt me. Hear me out. He will urge you to marry him—soon. He will tell you—— But you must not listen—yet. Do you hear me? You must—put him off. You must wait—till——”
“I shall wait,” she said coldly, “till the man—your client—is satisfied, or paid, in full.”
“Will you promise me this?”
She looked him full in the eyes.
“Why should I promise you?” she demanded haughtily. “I have signed a contract. I am in honor bound to stand by it. I shall keep my word—fulfil the letter of my bond; but not because you have asked me to do it.”
He turned abruptly and took up his hat.
“That is all I have to say to you,” he said in a business-like tone.