"I had no idea I had taken so much of your time." Then putting his hand in his pocket, he produced the check.

"You see that I have made a very good thing out of the whole matter and do not need this." "One moment, Mr.Stirling," said the lady, still sitting.

"Can you spare the time to lunch with me?
We will sit down at once, and you shall be free to go whenever you wish." Peter hesitated.

He knew that he had the time, and it did not seem easy to refuse without giving an excuse, which he did not have.

Yet he did not feel that he had the right to accept an invitation which he had perhaps necessitated by his long call.
"Thank you," said his hostess, before he had been able to frame an answer.