You have done more for me now than I can ever repay.

Friendship means service, and to serve me would spoil your plans, for you are in great haste to complete your book." "If you mean that you need my assistance, the book can wait." "I shouldn't have said that," she cut in quickly, her lips tightening slightly.

"It was utterly absurd of me to hint that I might require assistance--that I cannot take care of myself.

But I shall be proud of the friendship of John Aldous." "Yes, you can take care of yourself, Ladygray," said Aldous softly, looking into her eyes and yet speaking as if to himself.

"That is why you have broken so curiously into my life.