“Ah, but he is!” she differed. “It is true he does not show any inclination for the company of young ladies, but he is very much a lady’s man all the same. There isn’t a young lady in this hall but would be proud to have the honour of Jim Langford’s company and companionship at any time. He is of that deep, mercurial disposition that attracts women. It is good for Jim Langford that he does not know his own power,” she said, nodding her dainty head suggestively.
“Shall I tell him?” teased Phil.
“No!––let him find that out for himself. He will enjoy it all the more when he does. Some day, I hope, the right young lady will wake him up. Then maybe he won’t be ‘Wayward’ Langford any more.
“I have heard them call you ‘Silent’ Ralston.”
Her remark startled Phil. In the first place, he fancied the nick-name that had been given him was known 155 merely by the rougher element about town, and it sounded strangely coming from her. Again, that was the name they had given him in Ukalla, and it created an uncanny feeling in him that it, of all nick-names, should again fasten to him.
“But you aren’t really so silent,––are you now?”
“No!––I can hold my own in the field of conversation. It is just a foolish name some one tagged on, one day, for lack of brains to think of anything more apt;––and it has stuck to me ever since, as such things have a habit of doing.”
“‘Wayward’ Langford and ‘Silent’ Ralston!” She turned the words on her tongue reflectively. “What a peculiar combination!”
Phil laughed, but refused to be drawn further.
“Are you as wayward as he?” she asked.