“Of course I should! But why should you offer it to me?”
“Because in saving it up little by little I’ve had you in mind.”
“Dear Mr. Vetch,” our young man returned, “you have me too much in mind. I’m not worth it, please believe that; and for all sorts of reasons. I should make money enough for any uses I have for it, or have any right to have, if I stayed quietly in London and attended to my work. As you know, I can earn a decent living.”
“Yes, I can see that. But if you stayed quietly in London what would become of your princess?”
“Oh they can always manage, ladies in that position.”
“Hanged if I understand her position!” cried Mr. Vetch, but without laughing. “You’ve been for three weeks without work and yet you look uncommonly smart.”
“Well, my living, you see, has cost me nothing. When you stay with great people you don’t pay your score,” Hyacinth explained with great gentleness. “Moreover, the lady whose hospitality I’ve been enjoying has made me a very handsome offer of work.”
“What kind of work?”
“The only kind I know. She’s going to send me a lot of books to do up for her.”
“And to pay you fancy prices?”