‘Well,’ she said. ‘Aren’t you going to work now?’
‘There’s no hurry.’
‘Come, come, I’m sure your system doesn’t permit loitering! Can you provide me with pen and paper?’
‘Do you really mean me to dictate to you?’
She felt a sudden twinge of embarrassment lest she was pressing unwanted assistance upon him.
‘You said I was honest just now. Will you be equally honest with me? If my presence would disturb you, please turn me out.’
He considered gravely for a moment. ‘One can hardly tell—save by experiment.’
‘You wouldn’t mind telling me, would you?’
‘No. I would tell you at once. You have sense enough not to be offended.’
She was absurdly elated by this curt compliment.