Peter's face lighted up in a way which made the lady say to herself: "I
wonder why he wouldn't buy another ticket?" Aloud she said, "I want you
to know another of my cousins. Mr. Ogden, Mr. Stirling."

"Charmed," said Mr. Ogden genially. Any expression which Peter had
thought of using seemed so absolutely lame, beside this passive
participle, that he merely bowed.

"I did not know you cared for pictures," said Miss De Voe.

"I see most of the public exhibitions," Peter told her. "I try to like
them."

Miss De Voe looked puzzled.

"Don't," said Mr. Ogden. "I tried once, when I first began. But it's
much easier to notice what women say, and answer 'yes' and 'no' at the
right points."

Peter looked puzzled.

"Nonsense, Lispenard," said Miss De Voe. "He's really one of the best
connoisseurs I know, Mr. Stirling."

"There," said Lispenard. "You see. Only agree with people, and they
think you know everything."

"I suppose you have seen the pictures, and so won't care to go round
with us?" inquired Miss De Voe.