Page:The Tsar's Window.djvu/71

 his face, "Wherever—" then paused, and added, "in Italy, I think."

"What were you going to say first?"

"Something foolish."

"I don't think so. It was certainly something wise."

"But you don't know what it was."

"Don't I? Will you let me guess?"

"By all means," Mr. Thurber answered, looking amused. "But you cannot know what thought was in my mind. It will be a mere guess."

"Never be too sure of anything," said I sagely, "especially of what a woman may know. We can often read you like a book, when you least imagine it."

"Can you read me like a book?" he asked, in a lazy way.

"Sometimes."

"I hope you will be interested enough to read to the end of the first volume."

"Do you wish me to tell you what you were going to say just now?"

"Yes."

"I am afraid," said I, "that I can't tell what words were in your mind; but I believe you were thinking of some one whom you love very much. Am I right?"

"Perfectly," he replied, with a smile which was somewhat nervous. "But your boasted imagination will not tell you whether she is dark or fair, tall or short."

"No. Still I should guess that she is tall, and fair rather than dark."

He laughed suddenly, with an air of relief. I waited 5