"Do tell, miss. Why do you like—soldiers?"
"You'll think me such a silly."
"Not me. I'm no mumbudgetter. What you tell me I'll keep to myself."
Her eyes dwelt steadily on his. In a lower voice, she asked:
"Do you believe in fortune-telling, Mr. Yellam?"
"I don't know as I do. But I don't know as I don't."
"I do. And—maybe the Vicar wouldn't like this—I can tell fortunes myself with cards."
"Well, I never!"
"Yes. About three months ago, a lady came to Salisbury and lodged near us. She told fortunes with cards; she taught me. She didn't do it for money. Now, if you laugh, I'll never forgive you...."
Alfred became portentously solemn.