"And why shouldn't I have a common name?"
"Because you are by no means a common girl."
"You think not? Well, perhaps you are right. But may I keep the book till I see you again?"
"I had better give it you, for it isn't very likely you will see me again."
"Why not?"
"My acquaintance would be anything but profitable to you. I often haven't enough money to live on, and—"
Ida stooped down and played for a few moments with Grim, who turned over lazily on to his back, and stroked his mistress's hands delicately with his soft white paws.
"But you are a gentleman," she said, rising again, and rustling over the pages of the book she still held. "Are you in the city?"
"The Lord deliver me!"
"What then?"