"I think, Philippa, we ought to have a business talk this morning," he said pleasantly.
"To discuss our affairs," she nodded contentedly. "I have my little account book in my trunk. Shall I get it for you?"
"I didn’t intend to examine your financial situation——"
"Oh, but we had better be very clear about it! You see, I have just _so_ much saved—I shall show you exactly!—and then we can compute exactly what economies it will be necessary for me to make in order to maintain myself until we can find employment for me——"
"But, Philippa—" he tried to maintain his gravity—"you need not have any concern in that regard. First of all, you are on a salary as my model——"
"Please! I did not wish to be paid for aiding you——"
"I thought—I am happy in being permitted to return a little of your kindness to me—I do not want anything from you——"
"You have let me find a refuge with you——"
"Dear child, I offer you employment until something more suitable offers. Didn’t you understand?"
"Yes, but I did not expect or wish you to pay me—except with friendship. It is different between us and others, is it not?—I mean you are my _friend_.... I could not take money from you.... Let it be only friendship between us. Will you? I have enough to last until I can find employment. Only let me be with you. That is quite enough for me, Warner."
Halkett, who had been gazing fixedly through his glasses, remarked that the column across the river had now passed.
It was true; the wall of dust still obscured the blue foothills of the Vosges, but the last _fantassin_ had trotted beyond their view and the last military wagon had rolled out of sight.
Halkett descended from the ladder and went through the house and down the road in the direction of the schoolhouse, a smart, well-groomed, well-set-up figure in his light-colored service uniform and cap.
Philippa gathered her knitting into one hand, placed the other in Warner’s, and descended the ladder face foremost, with the lithe, sure-footed grace of Ariadne, who had preceded them.
"Come to my room," she said, confidently taking possession of Warner’s arm; "I want to show you my account book."
Madame Arlon, who was coming through the hallway, overheard her, gazed at her unsmilingly, glanced at Warner, whose arm the girl still retained.