Page:Conflict (1927).pdf/73

 casing of the door, but now he stood up straight, and his manner became as serious as it had been light and gay.

'What's the idea?'

'I can't go Saturday, after all.'

'What's the matter?'

'I have another engagement.'

'You didn't say anything about another engagement this morning.'

'I didn't actually have it this morning.'

'Oh, it's come up since!'

'No, it hasn't exactly come up since. I thoughtYou seeI' She gave it up at last. 'Well, I can't go anyway, Nevin.'

'Oh, I get the idea. You don't have to hammer it in.'

He was holding himself straight and taut, shouldders squared, head high. Sheilah glanced at him. His eyes were flashing, but not with fun now.

'I'm ever so sorry. It was awfully good of you.'

He gave a little laugh and shrug.

'Oh, that's all right.'

'I hope you understand.'

'Perfectly. Better luck next time.'

But as Sheilah turned and left Nevin, she felt almost sure that there would never be a 'next time.'

She walked home slowly. The crisp sunlight of early morning had been drooping ever since recess