He perceived then that he had underrated her attrac-
tions. She was tall and a little thin. Her eyes were
large and soft, her complexion clear, and her mouth
showed character. Bliss recognised in her from that
first moment some quality which placed her in another
world from all the women with whom he had been used
to associate.
"I am afraid you are," she replied.
"Afraid?" he repteated, a little staggered.
She nodded.
"'Afraid' is the word I used. Mr. Masters is far
too kind-hearted. He can't say no to any one. That
is why I added to the advertisement that all applica-
tions must be made in writing. You are the first one
who has disregarded it."

"But tell me why you don't want me to have the









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> VI- 4.
THE CURIOUS QUEST 27

job?" he begged. "I don't -see why I shouldn't be
able to sell stoves as well as anybody else."

She looked him over critically. There was the
suspicion of a smile upon her lips which vaguely irri-
tated him. Her eyes rested for a moment on his cane.
"Are you going to take that about with you?" she
asked.
He coloured a little.
"Of course not," he answered. "The fact is, I
brought it out with me to take to the pawnshop, but
when I started walking, I got so frightfully keen on
<?biniiig &ere that I couldn't spare the time."

She turned back to her work.
