"Nearly two hours."

"And you have sat there quietly all that time?"

"That is nothing. I was tired, but not sleepy. Besides, I had so much
to think about."

"You mean regarding what you shall do with me," and she arose to her
feet. "It is time now I did something for myself."

"Wait, please," and I extended my hand, almost forcing her back upon
the settee. "Let me say a word first before you decide to go. All I
told you last night about myself is true, with one exception. I have
money, and profitable work in view--see!" and I held before her the two
bills.

She gazed at them with wide-open eyes, half convinced of some
legerdemain.

"A thousand dollars," she exclaimed bewildered. "_You_! why, what does
it all mean?"

"Yes, and nine thousand more promised, when I complete work that ought
not to require to exceed two months. I was not without money in the
restaurant, only I could not ask the cashier to change so large a bill.
Sit down again, please, and let me tell you the story."

She did so, almost reluctantly, as though doubting my sanity, but I
could note a change in the expression of her face as I proceeded. I
told it slowly, carefully, pausing to explain each detail to her