Now tell me at once.

Why did you call me Iris ?" "You must propound that riddle to your godfather." "No wriggling, please.

Why did you do it ?" "Because I could not help myself.

It slid out unawares." "How long have you thought of me only as Iris, your Iris ?" "Ever since I first understood that somewhere in the wide world was a dear woman to love me and be loved." "But at one time you thought her name was Elizabeth ?" "A delusion, a mirage! That is why those who christened you had the wisdom of the gods." Another interlude.

They grew calmer, more sedate.