"I'd be mighty grateful if you would," Cosden said with obvious relief.
"Now, let me see—" Edith proceeded carefully, but the way was clearing before her. "I think you will need to take quite a course of training," she laughed. "Are you prepared to do that?"
"When I place myself in my doctor's hands I usually take his medicines."
"All right; then we'll start in at once. I must ask you a lot of questions. Are you fond of athletics?"
"Next to my business, it's my longest suit."
"There is the first point of common interest. You are making a good start.—Are you fond of reading?
"I like a good detective story."
"How about Stevenson and Ibsen and Lafcadio Hearn?"
"Not in mine, except 'Treasure Island' and 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.'"
Edith pursed her lips. "Not so good on the second test, Mr. Cosden. How about opera?"