"Neither. An old friend!"
"Is that why you are growing a beard—to surprise—him?"
"Perhaps," said Peter, absently fingering the bristles. "Don't tell me it's unbecoming or I'll have to shave it off!"
"As if what I thought made a particle of difference!" retorted Miss Vost defiantly.
Peter gave her a thoughtful, a puzzled stare. "I overheard you last night. You broke your promise. You promised to be nice to him."
"I was. Do you mean what I said about Liauchow?"
"You don't realize what you mean to Bobbie. My dear, dear girl——"
"I am not your dear, dear girl!"
Peter groaned.
"Does your heart ache, too, Peter?"