"I did not ask her."
"Where was your curiosity?"
"I wished very much to put the question, for I was anxious to know; but really, uncle, I had not the face to do it. But you can tell me."
"If she did not tell you herself, I am not going to betray her secret. What use would the knowledge be to you?"
"It would be pleasant to know her name."
My uncle looked hard at me; and something like a sarcastic smile passed over his lips.
"Boy, it would render you miserable."
"In what way?"
"By leading you to neglect business, and by filling your head with hopes which could never be realized."
"And why not?" I demanded, rather fiercely.