"Certainly," the doctor replied with a frown, "but the whole thing is settled already. Still, I appreciate your offer."
Stuart was worried. He could not press the matter further. He was sure from the sensitive tones in which his old friend declined his help that his dignity was hurt by the offer. He was positive there was a misunderstanding somewhere. The doctor's optimism had led him into an embarrassing situation and yet his association with Bivens as his first employer had surely given him some knowledge of his character.
He hesitated, about to speak, changed his mind, and turned to Harriet.
"You look glorious to-night, little pal! Funny that I never saw you in evening dress before. You look so tall and queenly, so grown, so mature. You're beginning to make me feel old, child. I'll be thinking of you as a grown woman next."
"I am twenty-four, you know," she said, simply.
"I have never believed it until to-night. I wouldn't have known you at first but for your voice, I had to rub my eyes then."
A warm blush tinged the pink and white of the sensitive face.
"Oh, Jim, I can't tell you how sweet your Southern blarney is to my heart! I dreamed of a triumph of art. I saw it was impossible before I sang, and now the pretty things you've said have taken all the sting out of defeat and I'm happy."
"Then I'm glad, dear."
He paused, leaned close and whispered: