Miss Reed: “Nothing.”

Miss Spaulding, sternly: “Yes, you do, Ethel.”

Miss Reed: “I don’t, really. What makes you’ think I do?”

Miss Spaulding: “It sounded very dishonest.”

Miss Reed: “Did it? I didn’t mean it to.” Her friend breaks down with a laugh, while Miss Reed preserves a demure countenance.

Miss Spaulding: “What are you keeping back?”

Miss Reed: “Nothing at all—less than nothing! I never thought it was worth mentioning.”

Miss Spaulding: “Are you telling me the truth?”

Miss Reed: “I’m telling you the truth and something more. You can’t ask better than that, can you?”

Miss Spaulding, turning to her music again: “Certainly not.”