I should prefer, of course, not to appear in the matter, if it could be avoided." "Your friendship is of an eminently practical kind, Miss Gibson," said my colleague, with a smile.

"As a matter of fact, the costs are no affair of mine.

If the occasion arose for the exercise of your generosity you would have to approach Mr.Reuben's solicitor through the medium of your guardian, Mr.Hornby, and with the consent of the accused.

But I do not suppose the occasion will arise, although I am very glad you called, as you may be able to give us valuable assistance in other ways.

For example, you might answer one or two apparently impertinent questions." "I should not consider any question impertinent that you considered necessary to ask," our visitor replied.
"Then," said Thorndyke, "I will venture to inquire if any special relations exist between you and Mr.Reuben." "You look for the inevitable motive in a woman," said Miss Gibson, laughing and flushing a little.