He raised his eyebrows.
"Oh, I know that's a good deal to ask," she laughed.
"Of me?"
"Of any one."
"I'll try, Miss Payson," he said, not too seriously. "But you've frightened me. I don't dare think too hard about anything, you're such a witch."
She released him graciously and keyed down to an easier tone.
"You must forgive me if I've been too frank, Mr. Granthope, but this interview is almost like a first meeting, and you know how much one is apt to say in such a situation. Let's not continue the discussion—I'm embarrassed enough already. I know I shall regret what I've said. We'll talk of something pleasanter. Tell me about that pretty girl in your office."
"Oh!" he exclaimed, and his tone was as if he had said, "Aha!" He wondered if it were possible that, after all, it was only this which had moved her to speak.
Clytie frowned, but if she read his thought, she let it go unchallenged.
"She's an original little thing; I like her," she added.