"I know them all. Lana Helmer I have known intimately since we were children."
"Then why is it not better to present me to her first—if you know her so very well?"
"Mrs. Bleecker is older."
"Oh! Is this Miss Helmer then so young?"
"Your age."
"Oh! My age.... And pretty?"
"The world thinks so."
"Oh! And what do you think, Euan?"
"Yes, she is pretty," said I carelessly.
There was a long silence. I sat there, my knees gathered in my arms, staring up at the stars.