“More difficulties?” asked Winthrop, patiently.
“I hope not, sir, but I won’t deny that Miss India may spoil our plans.”
“You mean that she may not want to take a boarder?”
“Well, it’s this way, Mr. Winthrop.” The Major cleared his throat. “Miss Wayne has always been prejudiced against Northerners, but——”
“Really? But she seemed kindness itself this afternoon.”
“I’m delighted to hear it, sir, delighted! And allow me to say, Mr. Winthrop, sir, that you couldn’t have played a stronger card than you did.”
“Card? What do you mean, Major?”
“I mean that in losing consciousness as you did, sir, you accomplished more than I could have accomplished in an hour’s argument. It was very well done, sir, for I assure you that it was only by representing you as an invalid that I was able to prevail on Miss India to remain here, sir, until your arrival. When I found that I had missed you at the office I feared that you would perhaps unwittingly give the impression of being a—a well man, sir, and thus prejudice the lady against you. But as it happened, sir, you played just the card calculated to win the trick.”