"You're confined too closely, Miss Sprunt."
"Life isn't all choice," she replied, briefly.
"Forgive me," he said.
"I walk home sometimes," she said.
"You're fond of walking?"
"Yes, when I'm not too tired."
"Miss Sprunt, would—would you walk with me this evening? I know a quiet little place where we could dine together."
"Oh," she said, "I—I already have an engagement. I—"
She colored with surprise.
"You have an engagement?" His tones were suddenly flat.