It was a long time before Shirley heard Fred's voice, sweet and full of youthful vigor, "So, I hope we can have a happy cooperation."

He held out a hand to Shirley. Shirley was in a trance for a moment. She paused and took his hand in hers. She pursed her lips and looked at him with a wink in her eyes.

"Don't give me the rent for that piece of land."

"I don't know what you mean. It’s just business. Maybe I didn't make it clear that I could afford it."

"You misunderstand me," Fred said, snapping his fingers and straightening himself up. "Since this is cooperation, I'm sure...