ACQUAINTANCES, NOT FRIENDS The manner in which this was uttered made me feel that she was in earnest.

Indeed I was already beginning to realize that this young woman was an enigma, her moods changing so rapidly as to keep me in a state of constant bewilderment--one moment frank, outspoken, friendly; the next hiding her real self behind a barrier of cold reserve which I seemed helpless to penetrate.

Yet this very changeableness was attractive, keeping my mind constantly on the alert, and yielding her a peculiar charm.

As she spoke these words her eyes encountered mine, almost in challenge, which I met instantly.
"Perhaps not--but I shall." "Oh, indeed! Is this conceit, or determination ?" "The latter assuredly.

Why is it not possible for one to know you ?" "Really I cannot tell," not altogether displeased at my decision, "yet it would border upon a miracle, for I do not even know myself.