“Well, if you aren’t a queer actor!” she cried. “I have met lots of them, but I never struck one like you before. Usually they are ready enough to become acquainted.”
“I am afraid you have judged all actors by the ones you have met in this irregular manner. There are honorable men who are actors, the same as there are honorable men in other professions.”
The girl whistled softly.
“Is that so? That’s all right! That’s why I wanted to meet you. I reckoned you were on the dead level.”
“No man who is on the dead level will seek the acquaintance of any young lady in this manner.”
“No? Oh, come off! I’ve met lots of fellows who were all right, and I never had an introduction to them, either. You must have old-fashioned notions in your head, and you are the last chap I’d ever thought had ’em. Why, I took you for a fellow who would be rather lively! You must be dead slow. You need somebody to wake you up.”
“I am afraid you are not slow, miss!” exclaimed Merry, severely.
“No, I’m not. I don’t like slow coaches. Oh, say, Frank, come out of it! What do you take me for?”
“For a very foolish girl, Miss Blaney. I am sorry for you.”
“Sorry! Oh, come off! You must belong to the Y. M. C. A.! By George! I didn’t think you would lecture me!”