But can I ask you a somewhat personal question, also ?" "Most assuredly, yet I expressly reserve the privilege of refusing a direct reply." "Is Beth Norvell your real, or merely your stage name ?" "Why do you ask?
That is a secret which, I believe, an actress is privileged to keep inviolate." "For one particular reason--because I cannot escape a vague impression that somewhere we have met before." She did not respond immediately, her gloved fingers perceptibly tightening about the prayer-book, her eyes carefully avoiding his own.
"You are mistaken in that, for we have never met," she said slowly, and with emphasis.

"Moreover, Beth Norvell is my stage name, but in part it is my true name also." Suddenly she paused and glanced aside at him.

"I have spoken with unusual frankness to you this morning, Mr.
Winston.

Most people, I imagine, find me diffident and uncommunicative--perhaps I appear according to my varying moods.

But I have been lonely, and in some way you have inspired my confidence and unlocked my life.