“Yes—they are, and I was busy reading them,” she said a little defiantly; then, with returning self-possession:
“Please go, doctor. You are very kind, but this is my private apartment. You should have knocked.”
“I mean no harm, little Eva, but I must speak to you privately. You are so beautiful no one can see you without loving you!”
“Hush—go!” she cried, in sudden consternation.
“Not yet,” he answered calmly, and went on: “I came to make you an offer of my friendship. This position as an attendant is not worthy of you, my dear, and if you will permit me, I will send you away to school and educate you to take a better place—as my little friend and darling pet. What do you say, pretty one?”
She was so young and so innocent she could not comprehend his villainy, or that his words meant all they did; but she trembled at the passion in his eyes and waved him back as he tried to embrace her, saying curtly:
“I must decline your offer, and I do not wish to be your pet. Please go now, for I do not like to have you in my room.”
“This is a poor return for my kindness to you,” he exclaimed, overmastered with sudden anger at her coldness.
“I am sorry to seem ungrateful—but please go,” she answered entreatingly.
“Are you aware that I can discharge you and thrust you penniless into the cold world?” he demanded harshly.