"No, madam."
"I am glad you enjoy your dinner," said his hostess.
When dinner was over she said, "Come with me into my study, or perhaps I may say my office, and I will give you an idea of your duties."
Robert followed her with not a little curiosity, to a somewhat smaller room on the same floor.
It contained a large writing desk with numerous drawers, also several chairs and a bookcase.
Mrs. Vernon seated herself at the desk.
"Probably you wonder what a woman can want of a secretary?" she said inquiringly.
"No," answered Robert. "I know that there are women of business as well as men."
"Quite true. I do not need to enter into full explanations. However, I may say that I possess considerable property invested in different ways. My husband died two years since, and I am left to manage it for myself."
Robert bowed, indicating that he understood.