Page:The Princess Casamassima (London and New York, Macmillan & Co., 1886), Volume 3.djvu/68

 'I dare say you've a great deal,' said Paul, with his north-country accent.

'I could get money—I could get money,' the Princess continued, gravely. She had also risen, and was standing before him.

These two remarkable persons faced each other, their eyes met again, and they exchanged a long, deep glance of mutual scrutiny. Each seemed to drop a plummet into the other's mind. Then a strange and, to the Princess, unexpected expression passed over the countenance of the young man; his lips compressed themselves, as if he were making a strong effort, his colour rose, and in a moment he stood there blushing like a boy. He dropped his eyes and stared at the carpet, while he observed, 'I don't trust women—I don't trust women!'

'I am sorry, but, after all, I can understand it,' said the Princess; 'therefore I won't insist on the question of your allowing me to work with you. But this appeal I will make to you: help me a little yourself—help me!'

'How do you mean, help you?' Muniment demanded, raising his eyes, which had a new, conscious look.

'Advise me; you will know how. I am in trouble—I have gone very far.'

'I have no doubt of that!' said Paul, laughing.

'I mean with some of those people abroad. I'm not frightened, but I'm perplexed; I want to know what to do.'

'No, you are not frightened,' Muniment rejoined, after a moment.

'I am, however, in a sad entanglement. I think you can straighten it out. I will give you the facts, but not