“Pardon my referring to the sordid money side of things,” he went on. “I was prepared to meet whatever you had in mind—but Mr. Clifford has reported to me that you would accept no settlement. I do not quite understand.”
“I did not enter into the affair with Jack expecting to be bought off,” she replied.
He looked at her keenly, but said no more on the subject. “There is one thing that has surprised me a bit, though, in so discreet a woman as you are, Mrs. Gardner: that is, your coming to the very hotel at which Miss Jones is staying.”
“It is the hotel at which I usually stop.”
“I was merely thinking that your being under the same roof might lead to some unexpected happening that would let Miss Jones learn—you understand. But you are very sensible and careful.”
He leaned over the little table. “And now let’s talk about you and me,” he said softly. “What is your answer?”
“My answer?” she evaded.
“To my suggestion that we explore a more amiable climate—together.”
Her back was against the wall. “I’d rather not have to answer.”
“But your mind is made up?”