Is there a dragon in the cave ?" "He is there only when the tide is high, mademoiselle, a beast enormous with eyes of fire." "And a princess ?" asked the English girl, keenly interested.
"No, there is no princess." "Only you and the dragon ?" "Generally only me, mademoiselle." "Whatever do you do there ?" she asked curiously.
His smile was bafflingly direct.

"Me?
I make magic, mademoiselle." "What sort of magic ?" "What sort?
That is a difficult question." "May I come and see it ?" asked Chris eagerly, scenting a mystery.
He hesitated.
"I'll come all by myself," she assured him.
"_Mais la gouvernante_--" "As if I should bring her! No, no! I'll come alone--with Cinders." "_Mais, mademoiselle_--" "If you say that again I shall be cross," announced Chris.
"But--pardon me, mademoiselle--the governess, might she not object ?" "Absurd!" said Chris.

"I am not a French girl, and I won't behave like one." He laughed at that, plainly because he could not help it.

"Mademoiselle pleases herself!" he observed.
"Of course I do," returned Chris vigorously.

"I always have.