Jonah talked of his business, and stared at Clara as she listened, forgetful of him, her mind absorbed in details of profit and loss.

She found the position easy to maintain, for Jonah, catching at straws, demanded no positive encouragement.

A chance word or look from her was rich matter for a week's thought, twisted and turned in his mind till it meant all he desired.
She saw clearly and coldly that Jonah had placed her on a pedestal, and she determined never to step down of her own accord, recognizing with the instinct for business that had surprised Jonah that she would lose more than she would gain.

And yet the sudden glimpse of passion in Jonah had whetted her appetite for more.

It had recalled the days of her engagement with a singular bitterness and pleasure.