He looked puzzled for a moment; then his eyes crinkled at the corners. "I get it. I mustn't ask my great-aunt's companion to marry me. A bit Victorian, isn't it?"

"Not at all. Anyway, don't be silly!"

"I'm not being silly. Will you marry me?"

"No, certainly not!" said Miss Allison with quite unnecessary emphasis.

Mr. James Kane did not appear to be noticeably cast down by this brusque rejection of his suit. He said: "Because you'd rather not, or because you're Aunt Emily's companion?"

"Both," said Miss Allison in a hurry.

There was a moment's silence. Then Jim said in a level voice: "I see. All right, I'm sorry. Let's look at the magnolia."

Feeling like a murderess, Miss Allison led the way to the magnolia.

"Improbable-looking flowers, aren't they?" remarked Jim.

"Yes; so waxen," agreed Miss Allison. "The orange tree is over here."

"I've lost all interest in orange trees," said Jim. "Do you think you'll be able to cope with my young stepbrother till I come down?"

"Are you coming down?" asked Miss Allison involuntarily.

"Next week. Not if you'd rather I didn't."

"Of course I wouldn't. Please don't be absurd!"

"Come now, that sounds a lot more hopeful!" said Jim. "At least you can't dislike me!"

Miss Allison made no response.

"I shall persevere," said Jim.

"If ever I marry," declared Miss Allison, "it will be a millionaire."

"It?" said Jim.

"Well, you know what I mean."

"Rather! I see lots of 'em trotting about the city. Failing a millionaire, wouldn't a young man in comfortable circumstances do?"

"No," said Miss Allison firmly. "I must have pots of money. I need it."

Jim grinned appreciatively. "You've been talking to Rosemary."

She laughed. "Yes, but I ought not to have said that."