“Yes,” said the girl, at once relapsing into her shell. “That is what I am paid for!”
“The only thing you need to be a real beauty is a smile. Can’t you get further than halfway? Try it. You won’t break anything. Smile for the drunken pig one of those smiles that won’t come off.”
“Have you ever smiled?” retorted the girl.
“I grin all day,” answered Ravant.
“Yes—you grin.”
Ravant caught the subtlety and was both amazed at his nurse and shocked at himself. He remembered that it was very long since his face had known the smile of gentleness.
“Let’s learn the art together,” he laughed. “By the Lord, you are good for me!”
“Then I must admit that you are also good for me.”
“Smile!” commanded Ravant.
“I cannot,” laughed the girl.