The task was not a disagreeable one, and she had foreseen all along that Herbert, in indulging her in various ways, would look for some return.
"After all," she said, "there's no reason why I should be ungracious to him, so long as he's pleasant." Herbert carelessly nodded agreement, but Sylvia knew that he expected her to carry out his wishes; and she did not find it difficult when the guest arrived.
Paul Singleton was young, and perhaps unusually susceptible to the influences brought to bear upon him during his visit.

Born with some talents, in very humble station, he had by means of scholarships obtained an excellent education, and had devoted himself in particular to the study of botany.

A prosperous man who took an interest in him sent him out to a tropical plantation, where he wrote a work on the vegetable product of equatorial regions, which secured him notice.
Indeed, he was beginning to make his mark as an authority on the subject.

So far, however, his life had been one of economy and self-denial, and although Lansing's dwelling was not characterized by any very marked signs of culture or luxury, it was different from the surroundings to which Singleton was accustomed.

His hostess was staidly cordial and at once set him at his ease; Sylvia was a revelation.