"Your 'one talent' will prove a very valuable one, if rightly employed," interposed the publisher, smiling.
"Thank you," returned Virgie, flushing again. "And now, since my little book pleases you, will you kindly make me an offer?"
"Well, Miss —— What shall I call you, please? I like to know the names of people with whom I am dealing," Mr. Knight observed, with a business-like air.
A sudden shock went over Virgie, making her tingle to her finger-tips at this question.
It was the first time that she had been asked to give her name since coming to San Francisco.
She had lived so like a recluse that there had been no occasion, and she had never decided what she would be called. She could not use her husband's name.
If she had more time to think she might have answered the publisher differently; but, as it was, she said, hastily, and not without some confusion:
"My name is Mrs.—Alexander."
Mr. Knight started slightly, and threw a searching glance at her.
"Alexander! Ah, I used to know—But, pardon me; I was about to make you an offer, I believe."