"Did what—who?"
"Women—kissed that way. You have proved it now."
"I'm not women. I'm just one woman, and I never did it in my life before."
"Well, you liked doing it, didn't you? I could put you in, liking it."
The shirt slid to the floor, and Miss Theodosia gave her visitor a full view of her face.
"Are you making 'copy' of me? Because if you are thinking of putting me anywhere, put me into a story like that. I'd like it. I mean, with little children in a bed—and one in a clothes basket! Say I tucked them in—Yes, I liked kissing Stefana's eyes. I should love to have another chance. It's nothing to be ashamed of, is it, to like little children?"
"I like 'em. I always have."
"Well, I always haven't. Only very lately—it's queer. When I came home here and found all those children next door—mercy gracious!"
They both laughed. Laughing together is a great acquaintancer. Miss
Thedosia suddenly thought of something and laughed a little more.
"My name is Theodosia Baxter," she said. They rose and shook hands gravely. They were decently introduced. The beautiful shiny bosom of the shirt lay between them like a white mirror and Miss Theodosia caught the man's glance on it.