"What would they think?" she asked.
"Is there anything to think?"
"N-no. But they don't know who I am. And I have nobody to vouch for me."
"You ought to have a companion."
"I don't want any——"
"Of course; but you ought to have one. Can you afford one?"
"I don't know. I don't know what they—they cost——"
"Let me fix that up," he said, with animation. "Let me think it out. I know a lot of people—I know some indigent and respectable old terrors who ought to fill the bill and hold their tongues as long as their salary is paid——"
"Oh, please don't, Mr. Desboro!"
He seated himself on the arm of her chair: