"I wonder what time it is," Be said.
"You mustn't miss your train, must you?"
"No." … Suddenly it struck him that it would be one o'clock before he could get to the studio and call up Valerie. That would be too late. He couldn't awake her just for the pleasure of talking to her. Besides, he was sure to see her in the morning when she came to him for her portrait…. Yet—yet—he wanted to talk to her…. There seemed to be no particular reason for this desire.
"I think I'll just step to the telephone a moment." He rose, and her fingers dropped from his hand. "You don't mind, do you?"
"Not at all," she smiled. "The stars are very faithful friends. I'll be well guarded until you come back, Louis."
What she said, for some reason, made him slightly uncomfortable. He was thinking of her words as he called up "long distance" and waited. Presently Central called him with a brisk "Here's your party!" And very far away he heard her voice:
"I know it is you. Is it?"
"Who?"
"It is! I recognise your voice. But which is it—Kelly or Louis or Mr.
Neville?"
"All three," he replied, laughing.