since I have had occasion to speak in that tongue." She repeated
her question.

"O, I had no definite plan outlined," he answered; "just
generalities, with the salt of repartee to season." He pondered
over this sudden transition from wrath to mildness. An
Englishman? Very well; it might grow interesting.

"Is it customary among the English to request to speak to
strangers without the usual formalities of an introduction?"

"I can not say that it is," he answered truthfully enough; "but
the procedure is never without a certain charm and excitement."

"Ah; then you were led to address me merely by the love of
adventure?"

"That is it; the love of adventure. I should not have spoken to
you had you not worn the veil." He remarked that her English was
excellent.

"You differ from the average Englishman, who is usually wrapt up
in himself and has no desire to talk to strangers. You have been
a soldier."

The evolutions of his cane ceased. "How in the world did you
guess that?" surprised beyond measure.

"Perhaps there is something suggestive in your shoulders."