"Since you are so determined to continue this dialogue, go and fetch some one you know. An introduction is absolutely necessary." She seemed immovable on this point. "And the moment I turned my back--presto! away would go Cinderella, and I should be in the dark as much as ever regarding the pumpkins. No, I thank you. Be good, and confess that you are Cinderella." "Sir, this really ceases to be amusing." Her fan closed with a snap. "It was serious the moment I entered and saw you," I replied frankly. "I ought to be annoyed excessively. You are a total stranger; I declare that I never saw you before in all my life. It is true that we are guests in the same house, but that does not give privilege to this particular annoyance. Here I am, talking to you as if it were distinctly proper." "I can not say that you have put your foot in it yet,"--having recourse to the slipper again. I was having a fine time. She smiled in spite of the anger which sparkled in her eyes. Of course, if she became downright angry I should tell who I was, only it would spoil everything. "And you do not know me?" I said dejectedly. "Do you mean to tell me that you have never dreamed of any Prince Charming?" "I can not say I have,"--icily. A flock of young persons came in noisily, but happily they contented themselves with the bowl of lemon-punch at the other end of the conservatory. I sat down in the Roman chair which stood at the side of the window-seat. I balanced the slipper on the palm of my hand. Funny, isn't it, how much a woman will put up with rather than walk about in her stockings. And I wasn't even sure that she had lost a slipper! I wondered, too, where all her dancing partners were. "You say you do not know me," I began. "Let me see,"--narrowing my eyes as one does who attempts to recall a dim and shadowy past. "Didn't you wear your hair in two plaits down your back?" "That is regular; it is still the custom; it proves nothing." "Let me recall a rambling old garret where we used to hold shows." Her fan opened again, and the tendrils at her temples moved gently. "Once we played the _Sleeping Beauty_, and you said that I should always be Prince Charming. How easily we forget!" She inclined forward a bit. There were signs of reviving interest. She began to scrutinize me; hitherto she had surveyed and examined me. "Once--" "Say 'Once upon a time'; all fairy stories begin that way." "Thank you; I stand corrected. Well, once upon a time you fell down these same garret stairs; and if you will lift that beautiful lock of hair from your right temple I shall see a scar. I am sure of your identity." Unconsciously her hand strayed to her temple, and dropped.