“Maybe we all lead two or three existences without knowing it,” Bruce remarked.
“We do! We do, indeed!” the little woman cheerfully agreed. “All except me. I’m always just the same and too much of that!”
“Well, you always come up with a laugh and that helps. Please let me into the secret.”
“My dear boy, I learned early in life to hide my tears. Nobody’s interested in a cry-baby. And minding my own business saves a lot of bother. I think I’ve acquired that noble trait!”
“That’s genius!” exclaimed Bruce.
“But—in your case I may not do it! I like you, you know.”
“Am I to believe that?” he asked seriously.
“I hope you’ll believe it. I offered at the beginning of the evening to be your friend until death do us part; I’ve done some thinking since. I do think occasionally, though you’d never guess it.”
“It’s an old trick of the world to be mistrustful of thinkers. I’ve suffered from it myself.”
“Listen to me, young man! I’ve got my eye on you. I suggested to Connie that it would be simpler for her to go in with Shep. I love Connie; she’s always been nice to me. But Connie’s not just a safe chum for you. Your fascinations might be a trifle too—too——”