I didn't wonder at that, but I did wonder at his sudden change.
"Then you're not afraid—"
"Afraid? I should say not! She can drive better than I can—better than anybody in Westchester County!"
"I see—I see!" I said in a low voice. And I did see, poor fellow! By Jove, my spirits sank to zero.
"Yes, there's somebody you can always rely on!" he enthused under his changing mood. "Good thing in this blankety world there's somebody you can rely on—among women, I mean. There's a girl with a purpose in life—yes, sir! Never dances, plays bridge, nor uses slang—no, sir! And what's more, in this cursed age, she's one woman who can go through life and say she never touched a cigarette or a cocktail."
"Of course—of course!" I agreed soothingly. By Jove, it was a devilish sight better to have him talk this way about her. I wouldn't antagonize anything he might say now. And I had turned his mind just by a simple hint—the power of suggestion, you know. Just as I had myself forgotten I was sleepy.
"Of course, you never have met my sister, have you?" he puffed. "I mean the one that's been up at Radcliffe."
"Oh, never!" I said promptly.
"You will in the morning," said Billings, flicking his ash. "Not much to look at—I mean not what you would call handsome—"
I interrupted. "Oh, but I say," I exclaimed unguardedly, "how can you say that? I think she's just beautiful."