She drank it, and an odd sparkle of mischief shot up in her great eyes.

She surveyed him with an impish expression--much as a grasshopper might survey a toad.
"Are you married ?" she inquired, unexpectedly.
"No," said Merryon, shortly.

"Why ?" She gave a little laugh that had a catch in it.

"I was only thinking that your wife wouldn't like me much.

Women are so suspicious." Merryon turned aside, and began to pour out a drink for himself.