II

3 0 00

II

“So you don’t like my stage-name?” she asked, as I sat down beside her. “Well, for that matter, no more do I.”

“It doesn’t suit you,” I protested⁠—“not in the least. Whereas, you might be a Signorina Somebody-or-other, you know. You are dark and stately and⁠—well, I can’t tell you all the things you are,” I complained, “because the English language is so abominably limited. But, upon the whole, I am willing to take the word of the playbill⁠—yes, I am quite willing to accept you as Signorina Capulet. She had a habit of sitting in gardens at night, I remember. Yes,” I decided, after reflection, “I really think it highly probable that you are old Capulet’s daughter. I shall make a point of it to pick a quarrel as soon as possible, with that impertinent, trespassing young Montague. He really doesn’t deserve you, you know.”

Unaccountably, her face saddened. Then, “Signorina? Signorina?” she appraised the title. “It is rather a pretty name. And the other is horrible. Yes, you may call me Signorina, if you like.”