"Why, you are not afraid of me?"
"Oh, no!" said Bessie, "I am not afraid of soldiers; I like them."
"Then why won't you kiss me?"
"I don't kiss strangers, if they're gentlemen," said Bessie.
"And that is very prudent, too," said the soldier, who seemed very much amused; "but then you see I am not quite a stranger."
"Oh, what a—I mean I think you are mistaken, sir," said Bessie.
"Don't tease her, dear," said the lady.
"But, little Bessie," said the gentleman, "do you call people strangers who know a great deal about you?"
"No," said Bessie; "but you don't know anything about me."