“Don’t you hate to tote a kid around?” asked Joe in his friendly way.
“Not in the least!” said Taswell, smiling.
Joe laughed indulgently. “It’s not a job I’d fancy.” He moved towards the door. “Got a man waiting down-stairs. Hope to see you again.” The door closed behind him.
Taswell’s face betrayed no expression whatever; neither did Elaine’s. She changed from her desk to a more comfortable chair. She was wearing a loose-sleeved black dress which revealed how full of health was her pallor. The young man watched her, while courteously appearing not to do so.
“Have a cigarette,” said Elaine, waving her hand in the direction of the big silver box. “Tea will be up directly.”
Taswell noticed how the black sleeve fell away from the white arm. He proceeded towards the box. “You are very kind,” he said. “I’m afraid I cannot stay for tea.”
“I suppose it is something special,” said Elaine, “since you asked to see me.”
He did not answer immediately. He was staring down at the cigarette he had just taken. “I must give up my job, Mrs. Kaplan,” he said quietly.
“Oh!” said Elaine, with quickly falling face. “I’m so sorry! . . . I thought you liked it!”
“It was a wonderful chance!” he said. “I mean, to be able to earn my living with two hours’ work a day. You see I’m doing a book, biology, from which I can expect no immediate return.”