It was next to her that Bernard had a seat at the table. Being, from her profession, attracted by young people, she was led to feel an interest in the bright and attractive boy with whom the exigencies of hotel life had brought her in contact.
“You are an American boy, I take it?” she said.
“Yes, miss.”
“Miss Smith,” she suggested, smiling. “It is a little more convenient to know the name of the person to whom you are speaking.”
“Miss Smith, then. My name is Bernard Brooks.”
“Ah, indeed! I think there is a Brooks family in Somerville, Massachusetts, where I am teaching. Are they related to you?”
“I don’t think so. I come from New York State.”
“Here we are all Americans. Have you arrived’ lately?”
“Only two days since.”
“And it is your first visit to England?”