"But the luncheon was to be at twelve-thirty," I laughed. "And I haven't changed my dress yet."
"You'll change it all right for something not so becoming if you don't shell out that paper."
"Paper?"
"Yes, paper. Look here, if you give it back to me this minute—now—I'll not prosecute you for—for—"
"For the sake of my reputation?" I suggested softly.
"Yes." He looked doubtfully at me, mistrusting the amiable deference of my manner.
"That would be awfully good of you," I murmured.
He did not answer, but watched me as though he wasn't sure which way I'd jump the next moment.
"I wonder what could induce you to be so forgiving," I went on musingly. "What sort of paper is this you miss? It must be valuable—"
"Yes, it's valuable all right. Come on, now! Quit your fooling and get down to business. I'm going to have that paper."