‘Quite satisfactory; only let her come at once.’
She did not leave the room this time, but went to an arrow-slit hard
by and gazed out at the trees till the instrument began to speak again.
Returning to it with a leisurely manner, implying a full persuasion that
the matter was settled, she was somewhat surprised to learn that,
‘Miss Bell, in stating her terms, understands that she will not be
required to leave London till the middle of the afternoon. If it
is necessary for her to leave at once, ten guineas extra would be
indispensable, on account of the great inconvenience of such a short
notice.’
Paula seemed a little vexed, but not much concerned she sent back with a
readiness scarcely politic in the circumstances:--
‘She must start at once. Price agreed to.’
Her impatience for the answer was mixed with curiosity as to whether it
was due to the agent or to Miss Barbara Bell that the prices had grown
like Jack’s Bean-stalk in the negotiation. Another telegram duly came:--
‘Travelling expenses are expected to be paid.’