"You'd better not tell any stories," she added.
"I'm afraid--" I began.
"Oh, if you're afraid I shall go away. I was going to read a book, but it doesn't matter."
"I'm sure it does matter," I said. "If you go away I shall certainly feel as though I'm the one who ought to have gone."
"I don't believe I ought to stay here talking with a man who thinks he doesn't know me."
"I'm a very stupid person, I fear," I said.
"I'm afraid some people would say so," she said with another mischievous look, though her face was perfectly grave; "but I shouldn't dare."
"I'm on the lookout for a good bargain," I said desperately. "I should like very much to exchange names with you."
"Oh, that wouldn't be a fair exchange at all," said the girl, shaking her head gravely. "I know Mr. Hampden's name already. You must offer a better bargain than that."
"Then I must sue for pardon for a treacherous memory," I said.