"Have you been having a long experience of this sort of thing?"
"N—no," she returned nervously, "not very."
He caressed his moustache; she was ceasing to be a patient and becoming a woman, and he didn't quite know what he was to do with her. Somehow, despite her situation, the offer of a sovereign looked as if it would be coarse. Mary divined his dilemma, and made as if to rise.
"Sit down," he said authoritatively. "When you're well enough to go I'll tell you; till I do, stay where you are!"
She felt that she ought to say something, proffer some explanation, but she was at a loss how to begin. There was a pause. And then:
"Is there any likelihood of this business of yours improving?" inquired Kincaid. "Suppose you were able to hold out—is there anything to look forward to?"
"No," she said; "I don't think there is. I'm afraid I am no use at it."
"Was it an attractive career, that you made the attempt?"
"Not in the least; but it was a chance."
"I see!"