How very conceited you must be to imagine such a thing!" He was not a man easily daunted, nor did he recall any previous embarrassment in the presence of a young woman.

But now he confronted something utterly unique; those quiet eyes seemed to look straight through him.

His voice faltered sadly, yet succeeded in asking: "Are we, then, never to meet again?
Am I to understand this to be your wish ?" She laughed.

"Really, sir, I am not aware that I have the slightest desire in the matter.

I have given it no thought, but I presume the possibility of our meeting again depends largely upon yourself, and the sort of society you keep.