Kenyon afterwards admitted that at that moment his heart was pounding as it had never pounded before; but when he answered, his voice was calm and assured.
“I have come to see the secretary,” said he, “and was told I’d find her here.”
At the first sound of his voice she started and lifted her head. The light showed him the color leave her face and then stream back, brilliantly. The surprise was a sharp one, but she did not lose the air of proud self-possession which seemed so natural to her. However, when she spoke, there was a slight break in her voice, a fact which she noticed and which caused her evident annoyance.
“I am the secretary,” she said.
“Ah!” He took a forward step. The light now fell upon him also, and showed a look of mild surprise. “Thank you.”
“Will you state your business,” she asked, coldly. “I have a great deal to do, and it is getting late.”
“Pardon me,” bowing. “I have recently heard good reports of this work, and had thought to send the treasurer a check if I found them verified.”
“The hour is rather unconventional,” she answered. And as he looked at her he could have sworn that he saw a quick flash of amusement in the dark eyes.
“It must be the light,” he thought. “It sometimes plays tricks like that.” Then he continued, aloud, “I fancy that unconventionality is as a rule the usual thing with me.”
“Will you sit down?” She pointed to a chair beside the desk.