Page:Conflict (1927).pdf/133

 Suddenly she exclaimed, suspicion gripping her, 'When did you begin the box, Felix?'

'When I first knew you were coming. In January sometime.'

'Felix,' she demanded, 'was it the box that made you fail in your exams?'

He lowered his eyes. 'Of course not.'

'It was!' She ejaculated, 'It was the box! You had no time to study!'

'I liked doing it.'

'It was my fault!' she despaired.

'I tell you I liked doing it. I wanted to do it. If you like the thing, I'm glad I did it. I'm glad I flunked. I'd flunk again for you, Sheilah.'

There was a knock on the door.

'They've come for you in the automobile,' Mrs. Sparks announced.

'Tell them I'll be right down,' Sheilah replied, and began wrapping up the box.

Felix went up to her close.

'If I write to you, will you answer it, Sheilah?' he pleaded.

'Of course I will, Felix,' she promised him.