She then adroitly changed the subject, plying the physician with numerous questions regarding Boston, its attractions and advantages, and so effectually led his mind in another direction, charming him with her rare conversational gifts, her evident culture and familiarity with both America and Europe, that he spent a delightful hour with her, and temporarily forgot the contempt and repulsion which he had previously entertained for her.
When the clock upon the mantel struck four, he started up in surprise, at which a sly smile curved his fair entertainer’s red lips, for she knew that she had held him by the magic of her fascinations, as she had meant to do.
But she arose also, and cordially extended her hand to him at parting, while she remarked, smilingly:
“I have neglected a very important item of business, and came very near forgetting it altogether. If you have, with you, the bill for your services to me, I shall be very happy to settle it.”
Dr. Turner flushed, and began to search his pockets, without appearing to notice the proffered hand.
At length he drew a slip of paper from his diary, and handed it to her.
She smiled again as she noticed the figures upon it; but unlocking a drawer in the table near which they were standing, she took from it an elegant purse, in which there appeared to be a plentiful supply of both gold and paper money.
She selected a bill and extended it to him.
“I am not able to change that for you, madame,” he said, as he glanced at it and saw that it was a hundred-dollar note.
“I do not wish it changed. Please take it. Even then I shall feel that I am deeply indebted to you,” she returned, with an earnestness such as she had not betrayed before during the interview.