“Perhaps you will introduce me.”
“I am afraid I cannot. The professor and I have parted.”
“Why, if it isn’t taking too great a liberty to ask?”
“I didn’t like him. He didn’t treat me well. Once, in a fit of sleep walking, he tried to throw me into the sea.”
“That seems strange. Certainly you were justified in leaving him. Where is he now?”
“I left him in Liverpool.”
“But didn’t he have charge of you?”
“Yes; but I think I can take better care of myself.”
“You may think me intrusive, but I am old enough to be your mother; that is, almost,” she added cautiously. “Didn’t he have charge of money for your expenses?”
“I was engaged to assist him as his private secretary. I was to have twenty-five dollars a month and my expenses paid.”