"Certainly. Suppose that in his old age he has become penitent, and wants to do what he can to right the old wrong. Would you refuse him absolution by declining to accept your own money?"
"I think it will be time enough to decide that when Mr. Surface asks me for absolution."
"Undoubtedly. I have particularly asked, you remember, that you do not make up your mind to anything now."
"But you," said she, looking at him steadily enough now—"I don't understand how you happen to be here apparently both as my counselor and Mr. Surface's agent."
"I have a right to both capacities, I assure you."
"Or—have you a habit of being—?"
She left her sentence unended, and he finished it for her in a colorless voice.
"Of being on two sides of a fence, perhaps you were about to say?"
She made no reply.
"That is what you were going to say, isn't it?"