what he had up to that moment considered a highly creditable
musical performance.

"All right!" he retorted warmly. "Laugh if you want to! But after
stipulating that we should be strangers, to--to act this way--
well, I think it's--it's--forward. That's what I think it is."

"Do you, indeed? Perhaps you think it's pleasant for me, after
I've opened my heart to a stranger, to have him forced on me as an
acquaintance!"

From the depths of those limpid eyes welled up a little film of
vexation.

"O Lord! Don't do that!" he implored. "I didn't mean--I'm a bear--
a pig--a--a--a scarab--I'm anything you choose. Only don't do
that!"

"I'm not doing anything."

"Of course you're not. That's fine! As for your secrets, I dare
say I wouldn't know you again if I saw you."

"Oh, wouldn't you?" she cried in quite another tone.

"Quite likely not. These glasses, you see. They make things look
quite queer."

"Or if you heard me?" she challenged.