“I shall always be,” he contradicted gently.
“Anyway, it’s better. You’re easier to say things to. Are you really the man who ran away from the street car?” she asked doubtfully.
“I really am.”
“Then I’m most surely sure that you had good reason.” She began to laugh softly. “As for the stories about you, I’d believe them less than ever, now.”
“Are there stories about me?”
“Gossip of the club. They call you ‘The Unspeakable Perk’!”
“Not a bad nickname,” he admitted. “I expect I have been rather unspeakable, from their point of view.”
A desire to have the faith that was in her supported by this man’s own word overrode her shyness.
“Mr. Beetle Man,” she said, “have you got a sister?”
“I? No. Why?”