"Doesn't she ever fancy that you might care for some one else?
You have a lot of friends, you know."

"Yes, but she knows they are just that--friends," said the
American.

Miss Cavendish stood up to go, and arranged her veil before the
mirror above the fireplace.

"I come here very often to tea," she said.

"It's very kind of you," said Carroll. He was at the open
window, looking down into the street for a cab.

"Well, no one knows I am engaged to Reggie," continued Miss
Cavendish, "except you and Reggie, and he isn't so sure. SHE
doesn't know it."

"Well?" said Carroll.

Miss Cavendish smiled a mischievous kindly smile at him from the
mirror.

"Well?" she repeated, mockingly. Carroll stared at her and
laughed. After a pause he said: "It's like a plot in a comedy.
But I'm afraid I'm too serious for play-acting."

"Yes, it is serious," said Miss Cavendish. She seated herself
again and regarded the American thoughtfully. "You are too good