“Because I wouldn't understand?”

“Because I myself don't understand.”

She thought awhile, brushing the rose velvet of her mouth with the fan's edge, then, looking up confidently:

“Mr. Siward is such a boy. I'm so glad he has you to advise him in such matters.”

“What matters?” asked Plank bluntly.

“Why, in—in financial matters.”

“But I don't advise him.”

“Why not?”

“Because he hasn't asked me to, Miss Landis.”

“He ought to ask you.... He must ask you.... Don't wait for him, Mr. Plank. He is only a boy in such things.”