“Much nicer.”
“Do you know what they call you, around town?”
“Didn’t know I had attained the pinnacle of being called anything, around town.”
“They call you the best-dressed first-nighter in New York.”
“Oh, damn!” said Banneker fervently.
“That’s fame, though. I know plenty of men who would give half of their remaining hairs for it.”
“I don’t need the hairs, but they can have it.”
“Then, too, you know, I’m an asset.”
“An asset?”
“Yes. To you, I mean.” She pursed her fingers upon the tip of her firm little chin and leaned forward. “Our being seen so much together. Of course, that’s a brashly shameless thing to say. But I never have to wear a mask for you. In that way you’re a comfortable person.”