“Now, you see how it is,” she answered archly; “my very first proposition is found fault with.”
“On the contrary, it is at once agreed to. Proceed with the next.”
“The next pertains more particularly to yourself. I suppose you have no occupation in view as yet, and I also suppose, if you think of marrying, you do not expect to lead a life of idleness.”
“Far from it.”
“Very well. I wish that you would offer your services to Mr. Hemster. I am sure he has great confidence in you, and as he grows older he will feel more and more the need of a friend. He has had no real friend since my father died.”
“You forget about yourself, Hilda.”
“Oh, I don’t count; I am but a woman, and what he needs near him is a clear-headed man who will give him disinterested advice. That is a thing he cannot buy, and he knows it.”
“I quite believe you, but nevertheless where is the clear-headedness? He has just asserted that I am a fool.”
“He surely never called you that.”
“Well, not that exactly, but as near as possible to it, and somehow, now that I am sitting opposite to you, I rather think that he is right, and I have been quixotic.”