"I have deserted a rather brilliant party to meet you here." "That, perhaps, is why I say it, Mrs.Dupont.

If my memory serves, you would not be inclined to leave such friends as you have yonder to rendezvous with a common soldier, unless you had some special object in view.

If you will inform me what it is, we can very quickly terminate the interview." She laughed, a little touch of nervousness in the voice, but drew her skirts aside, and sat down on the bench.
"Do you think you can deceive me by such play-acting ?" she asked eagerly.

"You are no man of wood.

Tell me, is there nothing you care to ask me, after--after all these years ?" Hamlin lifted his eyes and looked at her, stirred into sudden interest by the almost caressing sound of the soft voice.
"Yes," he said slowly, "there are some things I should like to know, if I thought you would answer frankly." "Try me and see." "Then why are you Mrs.Dupont, instead of Mrs.Le Fevre ?" "Then my guess is true, and you are not so devoid of curiosity," she laughed.