Eve shook her head and looked at her uncle.

“No,” she answered; “I cannot do that. Not now.”

“Some day?” he suggested.

“Not now,” repeated the girl; and, looking up, her face suddenly became grave, as if reflecting the expression in the dark Spanish eyes bent upon her.

“You are cruel!” he said.

“I am young--”

“Is it not the same thing?”

“And I can work,” added Eve.

“Yes,” he said. “But in my old-fashioned way I am prejudiced against a lady working. In the days of women’s rights ladies are apt to forget the charm of white hands.”

Eve made no answer.