The color came and went in her cheeks, adding fresh loveliness at every change. She glanced at her list of names, from which a number had been scratched.
"Well," she said presently, "I think perhaps you might still be able to attend to my requirements."
He waited to hear her continue, but she needed encouragement.
"I shall be glad to try," he assured her.
She was silent again—and blushing. She looked up somewhat defiantly.
"I wish you to procure me a husband."
Garrison stared. He was certain he had heard incorrectly.
"I do not mean an actual husband," she explained. "I simply mean some honorable young man who will assume the rôle for a time, as a business proposition, for a fee to be paid as I would pay for anything else.
"I would require that he understand the affair to be strictly commercial, and that when I wish the arrangement to terminate he will disappear from the scene and from my acquaintance at once and absolutely.
"All I ask of you is to supply me such a person. I will pay you whatever fee you may demand—in reason."