"I'm afraid you have a very dull companion," he said; but it was in the voice that Diana usually called his snarl.
Meryl smiled. "I did not for a moment suppose that you would talk."
She could hardly say that his face relaxed, but at least there was that in it which suggested he liked her answer far better than any conventional politeness.
Suddenly a wholly unlooked-for twinkle lurked somewhere in his eyes.
"Bears don't usually," he said.
Meryl laughed. "Diana is too fond of nicknaming her friends and acquaintances; but on the whole I think she has let you off lightly. A bear is a magnificent animal."
"Not given to much amiability. No Prince Charming, for instance," and he smiled a little grimly.
"But strong—and—well—dangerous, which is better."
"You think so?" He looked at her rather curiously.
"Decidedly."