sure that she saw a sentence in the
preface which spoke of the "writings of Mr. Arnold" as being "an
example of the most delicate artistry. A talent so rare, so peculiarly
sensitive, so rich in a wholly inimitable poetry, and waywardness of
fancy, that one hardly hesitates to pronounce it actual genius." And
it was this "genius," this "prophet in his own country," who at the
present moment was hurrying off in _her_ service. Nancy felt a
positive thrill of dismay, mingled with something else that was wholly
pleasant and exciting. But how in the world could she ever call him
"George." Imagine calling a famous writer by his first name--it seemed
impertinent, to say the least.

To tell the truth, she spent a good deal more of her time thinking
about this simple, friendly gentleman than in browsing over the
book-shelves which, under ordinary circumstance, would have been so
fascinating to her. Why was he so very nice to _her_--insignificant
her? How could she possibly be interesting to a man who had probably
been intimate with many of the most celebrated men and women of the
day? But, of course, it was very likely that he wasn't particularly
interested in her, and was only that he had a generous disposition. He
was ever so much older than she was--thirty-four anyway--and probably
he thought she was a nice child.

She was pondering thus, the book still open on her lap, and her back to
the door, when he returned, flushed with satisfaction, and also with
haste.

"I say, I've done a marvellous stroke of business," he announced, as he
came up behind her. "You seem to have found a very absorbing book,
Nancy--aren't you at all interested in learning what my amazing talent
for high finance has accomplished?"

"I can't tell you how good you have been to me," began Nancy,
gratefully and shyly.

"I haven't been good to you a bit. It's you who have been good to
_let_ me help you," he said, smiling down into her eyes. "I take it as
a very high compliment that you were frank enough with me to tell me
how I could serve you; because there is nothing, you know, that I would
rather do. That sounds rather flowery, doesn't it? But it's quite
true. Now listen--I have brought you the sum of one hundred and fifty
American dollars. That's more than you expected to get on the ring,
isn't it?"

"A hundred and fifty!"

"Here it is, in beautiful clean notes. I'll explain it all to you
presently. Did you find anything nice?