“Yes,” she said.
Uncle Charlie opened the book. Heavens! it fell open at the illustration of the two lovers drinking the fateful potion!
“Which is your favourite legend?” he asked.
Missy was too nervous to utter anything but the simple truth.
“The story of Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud,” she answered.
“Ah,” said Uncle Charlie. He gazed at the picture she knew so well. What was he thinking?
“Why is it your favourite?” he went on.
“I don't know—because it's so romantic, I guess. And so sad and beautiful.”
“Ah, yes,” said Uncle Charlie. “You have a feeling for the classic, I see. You call her 'Isoud'?”
That pleased Missy; and, despite her agitation over this malaprop theme, she couldn't resist the impulse to air her lately acquired learning.