It was an uncomfortable moment for the girl and to avoid meeting his eyes she looked away, across the lobby.

A few paces distant stood a man who leaned against a table and held a newspaper before his face.
Patsy knew, however, that he was not reading.

A pair of dark, glistening eyes peered over the top of the paper and were steadfastly fixed upon the unconscious features of young Jones.
Something in the attitude of the stranger, whom she had never seen before, something in the rigid pose, the intent gaze--indicating both alertness and repression--riveted the girl's attention at once and gave her a distinct shock of uneasiness.
"I wish," said the boy, in his quiet, firm way, yet with much deference in his manner and tone, "that you young ladies would consider my offer seriously, and take proper time to reach a decision.

I am absolutely in earnest.

I want to join you in your attempt to give pleasure to children, and I am willing and--and able--to furnish the funds required.