"If he does, he's never given any sign. But then, it's years since he's been true to me."
Her companion made a slight, uninterpretable gesture.
"Shall I tell him? Your verdict, I mean."
"Great Judas, no! Why stir him up? It's going to be hard enough on him anyway."
"Is it?" she said wistfully. "He'll miss me in a way, won't he? I am fond of him, too, you know."
"Yes. I understand that."
"But you don't understand why I've gone trouble-hunting, out of bounds."
"Yes. I understand that, too."
"Perhaps you do. You understand lots more than one would think from your dear, old, stupid face." She paused. "Tell me something, honestly, Bob. Has there been much talk about me?"
"Oh, there's always talk and always will be about anyone as brilliant and vivid as you."