The Lady and the Pirate

"Not till I know the truth," said I.

"About what?"

"Well, for instance, about the waistcoat with pink stripes."

"You are silly."

"Yes. How do you like my suit?"

"I never saw Mr. Davidson wear that one," said she.

"For good reasons. It is my own, and four years old. You see, a poor

man has to economize. And you know, since I lost my fortune, I've been

living almost from hand to mouth. Honestly, Helena, many is the time

when I've gone out fishing, trying to catch me a fish for my supper!"

"So does a poor girl have to economize," said she.

"You are most sparing of the truth this morning, Helena, my dear," I

said.

"How dare you!" she blazed now at the tender phrase. "Fine, isn't it,

when I can't get away? If I could, I'd go where I'd never see or hear

of you again. I thought I had."

"But you have not. You shall hear and see me daily till I know from

your own lips the truth about you and--and every and any other man on

earth who--well, who wears waistcoats with pink stripes."

"We'll have a long ride then," said she calmly, and rose.

I rose also and bowed.