Rickman looked up with a curious uncomprehending stare. When he clearly understood the proposal that was being made to him, he flushed deeply and showed unmistakable signs of agitation.
"Do you think," said Jewdwine discreetly, "you'd care to try it for a time?"
"I don't know, I'm sure," said Rickman thoughtfully.
"Well, it's only an experiment. I'm not offering you anything permanent."
"Of course, that makes all the difference."
"It does; if it isn't good enough—"
"You don't understand me. That's what would make it all right."
"Make what all right?"
"My accepting—if you really only want a stop-gap."
"I see," said Jewdwine to himself, "the youth has tasted liberty, and he objects to being caught and caged."