Philip thought he might safely promise this.
"Now tell me what Uncle Joseph said," resumed the little girl. "What is your name?" she added, before the narrative could proceed.
"Philip what?"
"Philip Meldrum."
"Shall I call you Phil?" enquired the lady, with a friendly smile.
"Yes, please," replied Philip, feeling greatly surprised at himself.
There was a pause. Philip became dimly conscious that something was expected of him—something that had nothing to do with Uncle Joseph. He turned to his companion for enlightenment. Her face was slightly flushed, and her eyes met his shyly.
"What is your name?" he enquired cautiously.
"Marguerite Evelyn Leslie Falconer," replied the little girl, in tones of intense relief.