"He's in dire distress over his affliction."
"I have troubles of my own. I'm deaf."
"Then suppose I should express to you in the sign language that my client—"
"I don't want to hear it—see it—know anything about it." The amount of determination which Miss Wayne's chin contrived to express seemed quite incompatible with the adorable dimple nestling in the center thereof.
"Must I return the fee, then?"
"What fee?"
"The victim of this sudden misfortune has retained me—"
"To act as go-between?"
"Well, no; not precisely. But to represent him in all matters of import on this voyage. On two occasions he has paid over the sum of five dollars. I never work for nothing. Would you deprive a superannuated lawyer of the most promising chance to earn an honest penny which has presented itself in a year?"
"Poor old gentleman!" she laughed. "Far be it from me to ruin your prospects. But if Mr. Daddle—if your client," pursued the girl with heightened color, "has anything to say to me, he'd best say it himself."