He spoke slowly, and scrutinized her face as if to mark her reception of the suggestion.
“No,” she said, shaking her head, “no change in that room would be acceptable to me. I shall let it remain just as dear Colonel Conrad left it.”
“The value of the house would be greatly enhanced,” argued Haywood.
“That is no inducement,” answered Florence. “It is not my wish to have a thing disturbed. There is that wonderful clock, and that curious little set of book-shelves fastened to the wall. They are both his handiwork, and both would have to be torn away.”
“And so you cherish his memory by such trifles, do you? Well, I will not comment on your taste, neither will I press the matter. But I hope you will think it over.”
“I do not understand why you should be so urgent about it, Uncle Geoffrey. If there is any particular reason——”
“No,” he interrupted, quickly, “there is no particular reason. I am not urgent about it. I only suggested it out of regard for your own interests.”
“Thank you,” she replied, quietly.
“Now that we are talking about the room,” said Haywood, “I am reminded that I have a little writing that ought to be done this evening. Perhaps you would not object to my doing it in there.”
“Certainly not,” she exclaimed. “Occupy it as long as you wish for that purpose. You will find pen, ink, and stationery in the drawer of the table.”