I suppose you live in a
place like that?"
"Very much the same."
In taking his handkerchief out, Waymark just happened to feel a book
in his overcoat-pocket. He drew it forth to see what it was, having
forgotten entirely that he had been carrying the volume about with
him since morning.
"What's that?" asked the girl. "Will you let me look? Is it a tale?
Lend it me; will you?"
"Do you read books?"
"Oh yes; why not? Let me keep this till you come again. Is this your
name written here--Osmond Waymark?"
"Yes. And what is your name?"
"Ida Starr."
"Ida? That's a beautiful name. I was almost afraid to ask you, for
fear it should be something common."
"And why shouldn't I have a common name?"
"Because you are by no means a common girl."
"You think not? Well, perhaps you are right. But may I keep the book
till I see you again?"
"I had better give it you, for it isn't very likely you will see me
again."
"Why not?"
"My acquaintance would be anything but profitable to you. I often
haven't enough money to live on, and--"
Ida stooped down and played for a few moments with Grim, who turned
over lazily on to his back, and stroked his mistress's hands
delicately with his soft white paws.
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