This woman seemed to have an answer for
everything. Besides, when once he had got over the
unexpectedness of the thing, it was, of course, a wonderful
stroke of fortune for him. Then came a whole rush of thoughts, a
glow which he thrust back sternly. It would mean seeing her
often; it would mean coming here to her rooms; it would mean,
perhaps, that she might come to look upon him as a friend. He
set his teeth hard. This was folly!
"Have you any idea about terms?" he inquired.
She laughed softly.
"My dear friend," she said, "why do you ask me such a question?
You know quite well that I am not competent to discuss terms with
you. Listen. You are engaged in a speculation to carry out
which you want the loan of twelve thousand pounds. Draw up a
paper in which you state what my share will be of the profits,
what interest I shall get for my money, and give particulars of
the property. Then I will take it to my solicitor, if you insist
upon it, although I am willing to accept what you think is fair."
"You must take it to a solicitor, of course," he answered,
thoughtfully. "I may as well tell you at once, however, that he
will probably advise you against investing it in such a way."
"That will make no difference at all," she declared. "Solicitors
hate all investments, I know, except their horrid mortgages.
There are only two conditions that I shall make."
"What are they?" he asked.
"The first is that you must not say a word of this to my sister.
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