"I've not the slightest doubt of it," Paul answered, applying himself
to his food; "and even if I had," he continued, "I should never
dispute anything you told me." And then, looking her full in the
face, he added: "Do you know, Miss Guir, that you have exerted a most
remarkable influence over me? It might not be polite to say that it
is inexplicable; but when I recall the fact that no girl ever before,
in so short a time--"

He paused for a word, but before he could discover one that was
satisfactory, she said:

"Do you mean to say that you have formed a liking for me already?"

"It is hardly the word. I have been fascinated from the moment I
first saw you."

"I'm so glad," she answered, without the slightest appearance of
coquetry, and as simply and naturally as though she were talking
about the weather. Paul was puzzled. He could not understand her, and
not knowing how to proceed, an awkward silence followed. Presently
she leaned her head upon her hand, her elbow resting on the table,
and with a languid yet interested scrutiny of his face, said:

"You doubtless know the world, its people and ways, far better than
I, and perhaps you wouldn't mind helping me with my book."

"Indeed! You are writing a book, then?"

"No, but I should like to do so."