"I think nothing of the man; I think he's an interfering prig. I don't like him, and he doesn't like me."
"Which shows that he must be all kinds of a fool."
"I don't know about that; but I do know that I don't like him. By the way, I suppose you understand what you're coming for. Everything here is at sixes and sevens. Nora knows absolutely nothing about her father's business affairs; he never told her anything; he kept his own counsel with a vengeance."
"So I gathered from your note."
"She doesn't even know who his man of business was. She wants you to find out; she thinks that if you look through his papers you will."
"There should be no difficulty about that. If I have access to his papers I ought to find that out inside ten minutes."
"I suppose so. But even if you do find out I don't see why you shouldn't keep the conduct of her affairs as much as possible in your hands; I think it might be done; you'll have my influence upon your side. You needn't say anything about there being an understanding between us; we can't keep people from guessing; but don't let them know--till it suits us."
He saw something in her eyes which caused him to pay her what some people would have regarded as an ambiguous compliment.
"By George, you're a clever one; you're the sort of girl I like!"
"I'm glad of that; because you happen to be the sort of man I like."