He had been unduly worried about that,
owing probably to early copy-book aphorisms. Honesty is the best
policy. Yes, but--nothing had happened. Mary, bless her, was already
only a memory. She had played her part and slipped back into the
void from whence she came. He could forget her very name with
impunity. A faint smile testified to a conscience lulled to warm
security.
But security is a dangerous thing. It tempts the fates. Even while
our strategist smiled, the girl who sat so silently beside him was
wondering about that smile--and other things. He was much better,
she reflected, if he could find his passing thoughts amusing.
Amusement at one's own fancies is a healthy sign. And today she had
noticed, also, that his laziness was almost natural. Perhaps it
might be safe now to say what she had made up her mind should be
said. But not too abruptly. When next she spoke it was merely to
continue their previous discussion.
"Do you think people may have 'true' names, too?" she asked
presently. "Just ordinary people, like you and me?"
Spence nodded. "Always noting," he added, "that you and I are not
ordinary people."
"Then if anyone knew another's true name, and used it, the other
could not help responding?"
"Um-m. I suppose not."
"Perhaps that is what love is," said Desire.
Even then no presentiment of coming trouble stirred beneath Spence's
dangerous serenity. Perhaps it was because the air had made him
comfortably drowsy.
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