“Because Calderwell said that you were a dandy player, and I don't care for dandy players.”

Billy laughed now.

“And how do you know I'm not a dandy player, Sir Impertinent?” she demanded.

“Because I've heard you—when you weren't.”

“Thank you,” murmured Billy.

Cyril shrugged his shoulders.

“Oh, you know very well what I mean,” he defended. “I've heard you; that's all.”

“When?”

“That doesn't signify.”

Billy was silent for a moment, her eyes gravely studying his face. Then she asked: