“That’s pure nonsense, you know,” he retorted bluntly. She made no reply.
“I got off my trail and blundered into this place,” he went on presently. “I’m going on out presently. I’m not going to trouble you or any of your people.”
“That is nice,” was the first remark voluntarily given. Sheldon flushed.
“Just the same,” he said a little sternly, “I’m not going out like a blind fool without finding out a thing or two. If you’re up to some kind of a lark it strikes me that it’s run on about long enough. There’s precious little use in your pretending to be the only one in here.”
By now he knew better than to expect her to speak except in reply to a direct question, and so continued:
“Will you tell me who you are?”
“I am Paula.”
“Paula?” he said. “Paula what?”
“Just Paula,” quietly.
“But your other name?”