'Besides, you couldn't live here in absolute solitude. It wouldn't be safe.'
'I shouldn't quite like it, sir.'
'But I'm sure you wouldn't like to leave the Pig and Whistle, Miss
Fouracres?'
'I'd much rather stay, sir, if I could any way manage it.'
Mr. Ruddiman drew a step nearer.
'Do you know, Miss Fouracres, I've been thinking just the same. The fact is, I don't like the thought of leaving the Pig and Whistle; I don't like it at all. This life suits me. Could you'—he gave a little laugh—'engage me as your assistant, Miss Fouracres?'
'Oh, sir!'
'You couldn't?'
'How can you think of such a thing, sir.'
'Well, then, there's only one way out of the difficulty that I can see. Do you think—'