Page:The Siege of London, The Pension Beaurepas, and The Point of View (Boston, James R. Osgood & Co., 1883).djvu/38

28 "We are going to talk American; you would n't understand us!—He speaks in the English style," she explained, in her little sufficient way, as the baronet, who announced that at all events he would come back in the evening, let himself out.

"He does n't know about your past?" Littlemore inquired, trying not to make the question sound impertinent.

"Oh, yes; I 've told him everything; but he does n't understand. The English are so peculiar; I think they are rather stupid. He has never heard of a woman being—" But here Mrs. Headway checked herself, while Littlemore filled out the blank. "What are you laughing at? It does n't matter," she went on; "there are more things in the world than those people have heard of. However, I like them very much; at least I like him. He 's such a gentleman; do you know what I mean? Only, he stays too long, and he is n't amusing. I 'm very glad to see you, for a change."

"Do you mean I 'm not a gentleman?" Littlemore asked.

"No indeed; you used to be, in New Mexico. I think you were the only one—and I hope you are still. That 's why I recognized you the other night; I might have cut you, you know."

"You can still, if you like. It 's not too late."

"Oh, no; that 's not what I want. I want you to help me."

"To help you?"