"My old dad ran a milk-wagon over in Brooklyn," he said. "I've pulled myself up by my boot-straps, and pretty much of everything has stuck to them on the way. I know what life is, kid. I stopped judging long ago! Leave that to a bunch of snobs in Fifth Avenue churches. Whatever you've done, you'd look like a white spot against me!" "Blainey, I'll tell you something!" she said suddenly. "You've got me wrong! I'm as straight as they make 'em!" "Don't lie, kid! It ain't necessary." "Look at me! It's God's truth!" she exclaimed vehemently. "Honest?" he said, opening his eyes. "Honest!" "Well, I'll be damned!" "Blainey, you're an awfully good sort!" she said genuinely. "Damned few would agree with you!" he said grimly. "You've always been with me! Why?" "'Cause I'm a sentimental nature!" he said, grinning. "Well, kid, how about it?" "Well, Blainey, it may be yes! I shouldn't be surprised!" He started up eagerly, with a look that somehow spoiled it all. She retreated instinctively, and perceiving it, he was clever enough to retain his seat, saying: "When will you know?" "To-night!" "Telephone me here or at the hotel. Now, one thing more. This marriage means freedom to each--no spying and no interfering! It's a sentimental business contract for life. Savvy?" She nodded. "That's the best way!" "You're free--I'm free!" She nodded again, giving him her hand. "Now I must go," she said hastily, with a glance at the clock. She went to the door, while he watched her without a word. Suddenly she turned. "If I decide, I want it over to-night! Do you understand?" He nodded seriously. She smiled and went lightly out. When she reached her room again she received a shock. Snyder informed her that Lindaberry had called twice, once while they were at luncheon, and again at three. Dodo was in a panic at the news, expected though it was. Josephus had informed her of Nebbins' insistent queries. All that she had planned dramatically, which now she wished to avoid, was rising up to confound her. She turned breathlessly on Snyder. "You saw Mr. Lindaberry?" "Yes!" "He was here? Long?" "About an hour!" "Then you talked to him?" she persisted, suddenly suspicious. "So-so," said Snyder evasively. "What did you talk about? What did you say? What did you tell him about me? You didn't discuss--did he leave a message?" "No, he left no message!" said Snyder obstinately. "When is he coming back? You know!" "No, I don't know!" "Snyder!" "I don't know!" she repeated, shrugging her shoulders and escaping into the other room, leaving Dodo in a torment of suspense, half inclined to flight.