The girl flushed.

"I'm not lonely----"

"Don't fib! I know better. Your birds and kitten
occupy daily about thirty minutes of the time that's
your own. What do you do with the rest of it?"

"Sit by my window, watch the crowds stream through
the streets below, read and dream and think----"

"Yes--read love stories and dream about your
Knight."

"Well?"

"It's morbid and unhealthy. You've hedged
yourself about with the old conventions and imagine
you're safe--and you are--until you meet HIM!"

"I'll know how to behave--never fear."

"You mean you'll know how instantly to blindfold,
halter and lead him to the Little Church Around the
Corner?"

Mary moved uneasily.

"And what else should I do with him?"