"You want to know whether you can engage my services," he said; "that depends upon circumstances."
"Upon what circumstances?"
"Whether you will be able to pay me. My hands are very full just now, and I've about as much business as I can possibly get through."
"I shall want you to abandon all such business, and to devote yourself exclusively to my service," said Honoria.
"The deuce you will!" exclaimed Mr. Larkspur. "Do you happen to know what my time is worth?"
Mr. Larkspur looked positively outraged by the idea that any one could suppose they could secure a monopoly of his valuable services.
"That is a question with which I have no concern," answered Honoria, coolly. "The work which I require you to do will most likely occupy all your time, and entirely absorb your attention. I am quite prepared to pay you liberally for your services, and I shall leave you to name your own terms. I shall rely on your honour as a man of business that those terms will not be exorbitant, and I shall accede to them without further question."
"Humph!" muttered the suspicious Andrew. "Do you know, ma'am, that sounds almost too liberal? I'm an old stager, ma'am, and have seen a good deal of life, and I have generally found that people who are ready to promise so much beforehand, are apt not to give anything when their work has been done."
"The fact that you have been cheated by swindlers is no reason why should insult me," answered Honoria. "I wished to secure your services; but I cannot continue an interview in which I find my offers met by insolent objections. There are, no doubt, other people in London who can assist me in the business I have in hand. I will wish you good morning."
She rose, and was about to leave the room. Mr. Larkspur began to think that he had been rather too cautious; and that perhaps, this plainly-attired lady might be a very good customer.