"Perhaps you think I have come to scold you," she says, with infinite tact, as he comes forward, visibly embarrassed; "but I have not. Of course you had a right to decline my invitation, if it did not please you to come. I shall not trouble you long now. I am here on a matter of business."
Mr. Charteris bows and hands her a chair. She seats herself, making moonlight, not "sunlight," "in a shady place," with her cold, white beauty.
Then her large, light-blue eyes turn scrutinizingly on his worn, handsome face.
"You are not looking well," she pronounces. "Business, perhaps, is driving you too hard?"
Vane smiles rather grimly.
"I cannot make any complaint of that nature," he responds.
The blue eyes light, unmistakably, with pleasure.
"Then you are not busy," she says; "I am rather glad to hear it. Perhaps you will have time to manage my property for me?"
He looks inquiringly at the beautiful, smiling face.
"I have quarreled with my lawyer," she explains. "I intended to take the management of my affairs out of his hands. Will you take his place, Vane?"