or you," she said; "you know everybody here. But
it would be an impossible position for me; I don't know a soul. Now,
if we were both strangers--"

"Well?"

"Well, then they wouldn't worry as to who we were and what we had to do
with one another."

"Then let's both be strangers."

"How can you be strange to order?"

"Hush!" I said. "I will disguise me. At home I have put away a
Pierrot dress not one of them knows anything about, and I think I can
raise a mask. If I--"

A stifled exclamation from the booth made me look up. Framed in its
mouth, her arms folded and resting on the ledge, was the girl.

What I could see of her was dressed as a Pierrot. Her hair was
concealed under a black silk cap, and the familiar white felt conical
hat sat jauntily over one ear. A straight, white nose, and a delicate
chin, red lips parted and smiling a little, such a smile as goes always
with eyebrows just raised, very alluring--so much only I saw. For the
rest, a strip of black velvet made an irritating mask.

I made her a low bow.

"I can see this is going to be a big thing," I said. "Won't you come
down?"

"I haven't even said I'll take you,"

"Please."

"You're sure to be recognized, and then, what about me?"

"Oh, no, I shan't. If necessary, I'll wear a false nose. I've got one
somewhere."

"Here's my milk."

I looked round and beheld a small boy approaching with a jug.

"Was that the best you could do in the native line?"

"You needn't sneer. I'm not over-confident about my second venture."

"Well, a knave's better than a fool, any day."

"I'm sure I hope so."

She slipped down out of sight into the booth again, to reappear a
moment later in the road: and by her side a beautiful white
bull-terrier, a Toby ruff about his sturdy neck.

"Good man," said my lady, pointing a finger at me. "Good man."

The dog came forward, wagging his tail. I stooped and spoke with him.
Then I turned to his mistress. She had discarded her white hat and
drawn on a long dust-coat, which reached almost to her ankles. She
held it close about her, as she walked. It showed off her slim figure
to great advantage. Below, the wide edges of white duck trousers just
appeared above shining insteps and high heeled shoes.

When the urchin had come up, she took the jug from him with both hands.

"I shall have to drink out of it," she said, raising it to her lips
with a smile.

"Of course. Why not? Only ..."

I h