"Just her first name, you know," added Desire reasonably.
"Oh yes—certainly. No, of course I don't mind. I am quite willing to tell you her name. But—do you mean her real name or—or—the name she was usually called?" The professor was sparring wildly for time.
"Wasn't she called by her real name?"
"Well—er—not always."
Desire's eyebrows became very slanting. "Any name will do," she said coldly.
The professor gathered himself together. "Her name," he said triumphantly, "Was—is Mary."
He had done well for himself this time! His questioner was plainly satisfied with the name Mary. Perhaps lying gets easier as you go on. He hoped so.
"My mother's name was Mary," said Desire. "It is a lovely name."
Spence felt very proud of himself. Not only had he produced a lovely name in the space of three seconds and a half, but he had also provided a not-to-be-missed opportunity of changing the subject.
"I suppose you do not remember your mother," he said tentatively.