"It was not of my eyebrows I was thinking," murmured the man.
"What should I say? The latest quotation for artificial lashes, or a development in dimple culture, would hardly be engrossing to you."
"I am inclined to believe that anything that concerned you would engross me."
"It would be so unconventional," she objected dreamily.
"To send a brief message of encouragement? Have we not talked like confidants?"
"That is queerer still."
"I admit it. Just now I was unaware of your existence, and suddenly you dominate my thoughts. How do you work these miracles, madame? Do you know that I have an enormous favour to crave of you?"
"What, another one?"
"Actually! Is it not audacious of me? Yet for a man on the verge of parting from his identity, I venture to hope that you will strain a point."
"The circumstances are in the man's favour," she owned. "Nevertheless, much depends on what the point is."