Miss Gregson flushed and gave a forced laugh. She was not pleased, but would not let Sheila know this on any account.
"I do hope you still have that box, with the rows and rows of pilules. I'm sure you'll want it while you live with me. I am quite conscious that I am at times surprising, and that it would never do for a person with really weak nerves to act as my chaperon. Besides, those little pilules give me infinite amusement. Do you still believe in them? I hope you do."
Sheila had left the window and had sunk into an armchair, where she sat studying her companion's face with eyes full of laughter.
Miss Gregson looked up at the girl with a magnanimous smile. She felt vexed with her, but was not going to show it.
"I shall certainly not offer any more of them to you," she said, "as you laugh at them. But yes; I still have faith in them and always shall."
"Oh, how quaint you are! I shall certainly never tire of you, particularly as you still believe in those pilules." Then after a moment's pause the girl continued: "I really don't think I can call you Miss Gregson any longer; it is so formal. What is your Christian name; let me see, is it Maria?"
"Why do you want to know? You are not thinking I hope of calling me by it? I certainly should not approve of that."
"I shouldn't dare!" laughed Sheila. "You surprise me so by putting your foot down suddenly that I feel I really can't take liberties with you. But you have not told me your name. Am I right, is it Maria?"
"Maria? No, it's Angelina."
Sheila was on the point of giving a little shriek of laughter at the information. The name seemed so incongruous, but she stopped herself in time.