"You can ask me anything on earth, dear old Charley," replied Roger.
"Well then, have you a clear understanding of the terms on which the Smithsonian let you have this money?"
"Yes, on the same terms we had with Austin."
"Do you know that, or do you just take it for granted?"
Roger hesitated. "Why—well, in a way, I just take it for granted. That was what Ern and I talked over before he left. He's better than I at that sort of thing. He has my power of attorney and signed up the papers. I haven't gone over this since he got back, I've been so busy."
"You won't think I'm impertinent or nosey, will you, Roger, if I ask you one more question?" Charley's voice had tones in it like Felicia's and Roger was very gentle as he answered:
"Nothing pleases me more than to have you show interest in my work, Charley."
"Well then, let's have a look at those papers."
Roger looked at her curiously. "You think Ernest is as careless as I? He isn't, and you know I'm careless only because I have such confidence in him."
Charley nodded. "I know. Just put it down to female curiosity."