hit--an insignificant nonentity--yet, despite his
sex, size, and importance, I was complete master of that situation, and
knew it: thus I laughed.

I saw that he recognized me again by the dusky red he flushed beneath his
sun-darkened skin. No doubt he regretted having called me a filly above
all things. He bowed stiffly, but I held out my hand, saying:

"Do shake hands. When introduced I always shake hands with anyone I think
I'll like. Besides, I seem to know you well. Just think of all the apples
you brought me!"

He acceded to my request, holding my hand a deal longer than necessary,
and looking at me helplessly. It amused me greatly, for I saw that it was
he who did not know how to manage me, and not I that couldn't manage him.

"'Pon my honour, Miss Melvyn, I had no idea it was you, when I said--"
Here he boggled completely, which had the effect of reviving my laughter.

"You had no right to be dressed like that--deceiving a fellow. It wasn't
fair."

"That's the best of it. It shows what a larrikin Don Juan sort of
character you are. You can't deceive me now if you pretend to be a
virtuous well-behaved member of society."

"That is the first time I've ever meddled with any of the kitchen fry,
and, by Jove, it will be the last!" he said energetically. "I've got
myself into a pretty mess."

"What nonsense you talk," I replied. "If you say another word about it,
I'll write a full account of it and paste it in my scrapbook. But if
you don't worry about it, neither will I. You said nothing very
uncomplimentary; in fact, I was quite flattered."

I was perched on the high end of a couch, and he was leaning with big
careless ease on the piano. Had grannie seen me, I would have been
lectured about unladylike behaviour.

"What is your uncle at today?" he inquired.

"He's not at anything. He went to Gool-Gool yesterday on the jury. Court
finishes up today, and he is going to bring the judge home tonight.
That's why I am dressed so carefully," I answered.

"Good gracious! I never thought of court this time as I wasn't called on
the jury, and for a wonder hadn't so much as a case against a Chinaman. I
was going to stay tonight, but can't if his worship is going to dine
here."

"Why? You're surely not afraid of Judge Fossilt? He's a very simple old
customer."

"Imagine dining with a judge in this toggery!" and he glanced down his
great figure at his riding gear.

"That doesn't matter; he's near-sighted. I'l