"In love?" he echoed in a tone of light banter.
"Hopelessly, desperately in love!"
"Then you need a minister, not a lawyer," Stuart said, with quiet sarcasm.
"It's no joke, old man," Bivens went on soberly. "It's the most serious thing I was ever up against. Fell in love at first sight."
"But where do I come into this affair?" Stuart interrupted, maintaining his self-control with an effort.
"Simple enough. The Primroses——"
"Oh, it's Miss Primrose?"
"Yes—Miss Nan. You see, they think the world of you. She said you grew up together in the same town. I was telling her about my business. I must have been bragging about what we were going to do. I was crazy, just looking at her. Her beauty made me drunk. I told her we needed a new attorney. She said you were the man. I told her I'd offer you the place. She seemed pleased. When I told her I was afraid you wouldn't take a place under my direction, she laughed at the idea—said she knew you would accept. And so you've got the whole truth now, Jim. You've got to accept, old man. I want to make her feel that her word is law with me. Don't you think that would please her?"
"It ought to please any woman," was the slow, thoughtful reply.
"Tell me, do you think I've got a chance with a girl like that? You know I've never gone with girls much. I'm timid and awkward. I don't know what to do or what to say. But my money will help, won't it?"