"Now, that has a plausible sound," she admitted, folding her hands
under her chin. "It must be an interesting life. _Presto--change_!
and all that."

"Oh, I find it rather monotonous in the winter; but in the summer it is
fine. Then I wander about the summer resorts and give exhibitions."

"You will pardon my niece," interpolated the old gentleman, coughing a
bit nervously. "If she annoys you--"

"Uncle!"--reproachfully.

"Heaven forfend!" I exclaimed eagerly. "There is a charm in doing
unconventional things; and most people do not realize it, and are
stupid."

"Thank you, sir," said the girl, smiling. She was evidently enjoying
herself; so was I, for that matter. "Do a trick for me," she commanded
presently.

I smiled weakly. I couldn't have done a trick with the cards,--not if
my life had depended upon it. But I rather neatly extricated myself
from the trap.

"I never do any tricks out of business hours."

"Uncle, give the gentleman ten cents; I want to see him do a
sleight-of-hand trick."