"Meaning that in the dictionary sense of the word, or the common
interpretation?" she said, seating herself.
"Both. They're the same, in my case. If I had suspected that you were
going to be so amiable--"
"I'm always ready to be that--if you'll let me."
This was enough unlike her ordinary manner toward him to make him give
her a look-over for an explanation. "All right, I'll take you up," he
said. "Just how amiable are you prepared to be?" He sat down opposite
her.
"That's for you to find out!"
"Well. I'll try to discover the line of least resistance."
"Oh, you needn't be so elaborate, Blanchard. You never really need more
than half the subtlety you waste on me. I'm quite a simple person!"
"Still waters--" he began.
She lifted her shoulders and her brows.
"Run cold!" he finished, and caught a smile.
"I wonder if I _am_ cold!" she said.
"Granthope didn't succeed in firing you?"
She showed no evidence of pain except that the two lines appeared in her
forehead suddenly. Then she shook her head as if to cast off some
annoyance.
"Oh, you're quite off the track, there. Don't make it harder for
yourself than necessary. What did you come to-day for? Tell me!"