Page:The council of seven.djvu/70

 that you came over to us here. I've always felt a personal responsibility in regard to you. From the first I believed in you—we believed in each other. You have not disappointed me; I hope I have not disappointed you. But it will hurt me more than I can say, if for a whim, a mere whim, a day-dream, you throw away a really fine career."

To doubt his sincerity was impossible. Every word rang true. And Helen Sholto with his spell upon her was bound to react to the emotion this man had the power to excite. At once her mind went back to the many benefits at his hands, the many delicate kindnesses. She could not forget his faith in her; she could not forget how much she owed him.

While he looked at her all that was clear. He wove a very close web. But he was too adroit to draw the mesh too tight. He was careful not to embarrass her by an appeal to her sense of gratitude.

"Of course, this is just a business proposition—a business arrangement." The sudden release of tension was most welcome to Helen. "A quid pro quo, one might even say. We have been mutually useful to each other."

"You have been very good to me." A sense of justice forced her to that simple admission.

"If you really think so,"—he had a wonderful gift for taking instant advantage of every opportunity—"you'll be in no hurry to turn us down."

Her distrust of this man had now grown profound,