“I didn’t ask you if you liked him,” he explained to her. “I asked you if he was brainy. I’m not too sure that you like brainy men.”
“Yes, I do,” said Joan. “I like you, sometimes.”
“Now, none of that,” he said severely. “It’s no good your thinking of me. I’m wedded to my art. We are talking about Mr. Halliday.”
“What does Madge think of him?” asked Joan.
“Madge has fallen in love with him, and her judgment is not to be relied upon,” he said. “I suppose you couldn’t answer a straight question, if you tried.”
“Don’t be so harsh with me,” pleaded Joan meekly. “I’m trying to think. Yes,” she continued, “decidedly he’s got brains.”
“Enough for the two of them?” demanded Mr. Singleton. “Because he will want them. Now think before you speak.”
Joan considered. “Yes,” she answered. “I should say he’s just the man to manage her.”
“Then it’s settled,” he said. “We must save her.”
“Save her from what?” demanded Joan.