“Do you mean that you used to know Miss Bannerman?” asked Mrs. Hilary in her pleasant prosaic way.

It was a sin seventeen years old; it would hardly count against the blameless Miss Bannerman now. “You may tell her when I’m gone,” said I to Miss Phyllis.

Miss Phyllis whispered in Mrs. Hilary’s ear.

“Another?” cried Mrs. Hilary, aghast.

“It was the very first,” said I, defending myself.

Mrs. Hilary began to laugh. I smoothed my hat.

“Tell her,” said I, “that I remembered her very well.”

“I shall do no such thing,” said Mrs. Hilary.

“And tell her,” I continued, “that I am still handsome.”

“I shan’t say a word about you,” said Mrs. Hilary.