As the boat drew alongside the pier, he offered her his hand and said:
"My name is Nikolai."
"Oh, yes?"
"I thought in case we meet again--Nikolai Palm--but I expect the town's too big--"
"Yes, I expect it is. Well, thanks ever so much for all your kindness. Good-bye."
XXXII
I ask Miss Torsen:
"Have you met the carpenter since?"
"What carpenter? Oh--no, I haven't. I only told you about him because he's a sort of mutual acquaintance."
"Acquaintance?"