‘He might know it perfectly well, all the same,’ insisted Sebastian. ‘Have you thought seriously about it, Miss Blisset? I know Heywood is a friend of yours....’ ‘Yes, he is--a great friend of mine,’ she answered firmly, and not one sign was lost upon Sebastian’s cool, observant eyes; the head a little thrown back, eyes bright, the pale cheek flushed, as if she braced herself to meet some peril. He saw and noted it all. ‘You should be cautious how you influence him,’ said he. ‘I do not influence him. He is far too strong and decided to be influenced by--by a girl like me.’ Sebastian smiled politely but derisively. ‘Pardon me, but I don’t think you are quite right there. I am convinced you do influence him, and if so, don’t you think it is unkind to prejudice him against his real interests?’ ‘His real interest is not to take charity. Mr. Mallory, the bare idea of Myles Heywood coming up to receive charity is dreadful. It makes me miserable to think of it--only I can’t imagine his doing such a thing. He never will. Poor fellow! I am sorry for him!’ ‘Sooner or later it will come to that--it must,’ said Sebastian. ‘And I--you speak as if I had tried to thrust alms upon him ostentatiously, like a rich man relieving a beggar, and then appealing to every one to notice his generosity. Can you suppose I intended anything so revolting?’ The usually placid and unruffled Sebastian spoke in a tone of deep vexation and chagrin. ‘No, of course I did not suppose any such thing,’ replied Adrienne, her face still flushed. ‘I did not do you so much injustice. But I’m glad he refused--so glad. I hope he will find something else. I even hope that this present trouble may turn out to be a means of improving his position, for I think he may turn his thoughts to some higher employment than mere drudgery in a factory--even though it is your factory,’ she added, with a slight smile. ‘He is certainly fit for a higher post. You would be glad to know him in such a situation, would you not?’ ‘Indeed I should.’ ‘Even though it took him away from his friends and native town?’ went on Sebastian, somewhat ironically. ‘Y--yes. Even in that case.’ ‘Well--who knows! It may turn out to be as you say.’