Page:Duer Miller--The charm school.djvu/126

 "Have you known many college women?" "None," said Mrs. Rolles, drawing herself up.

"Then it's just a theory with you?"

"My dear Mr. Bevans, it isn't a theory that there are certain experiences that rub off the bloom."

Austin simply couldn't bear the thought of Elise losing any of her bloom. And yet, on the other hand, there was that terrible commonplace boy lurking for her if she returned to her grandfather's. It really was a dreadful problem, and he found it a comfort to talk it over with an expert like Mrs. Rolles—such a comfort that he almost missed his train. He had an appointment with Miss Curtis to go over and sign the reports for the term.

As he stepped on the moving train he realized with a start that he had made practically no effort to see Susie at all. But, he consoled himself by reflecting, it wouldn't have done any good if he had.

On his desk he found a fresh gardenia and a last letter from the little princess. He had told himself that he hadn't expected it, yet his eyes had sought it in the accustomed place as soon as he entered the room.