Well?"

I think so still."

Honest--with all those lies!"

I wonder."

I don't," said Mr. Hoopdriver. "I'm fair ashamed of myself. But

anyhow--I've stopped deceiving you."

I THOUGHT," said the Young Lady in Grey, "that story of the lion--"

Lord!" said Mr. Hoopdriver. "Don't remind me of THAT."

I thought, somehow, I FELT, that the things you said didn't ring quite

true." She suddenly broke out in laughter, at the expression of his

face. "Of COURSE you are honest," she said. "How could I ever doubt it?

As if I had never pretended! I see it all now."

Abruptly she rose, and extended her hand across the breakfast things. He

looked at her doubtfully, and saw the dancing friendliness in her eyes.

He scarcely understood at first. He rose, holding the marmalade spoon,

and took her proffered hand with abject humility. "Lord," he broke out,

if you aren't enough--but there!"

217

The Wheels of Chance