"But even if she were—interested—even if she did think twice about me, which I find it very difficult to believe, I've nothing whatever to offer her."
"You mean you can't offer her money."
"That's only one of the things I haven't got."
He stood in front of the fire again, as if to give himself the advantage of higher ground. He wanted to be convincing even while he hoped to be convinced.
"All I ask you to do," said Madame Claire, "is, for your own sake, to give yourself a chance. There are obstacles, admittedly, but don't begin by throwing up earthworks as well. Don't make obstacles. Mind you, I'm not encouraging you. I only know that Judy likes you more than she likes most people. Beyond that I'm completely in the dark. Yes, Dawson?"
"Please, m'lady," said Dawson from the doorway, "can you see Miss Connie?"
"Yes. Ask her to come in. No, don't go, Major Crosby. You've met my daughter, Countess Chiozzi."
"I must go," he said, holding out his hand. "But I'd like to come again soon, if I may."
"If you don't," she said, smiling up at him,
