Page:Edgar Jepson--the four philanthropists.djvu/170

162 I just yearn to out him!" said Chelubai vehemently.

"Well, you're not going to. Five thousand for the Children's Hospital is not reason enough. You come along." And without more ado I seized his arm and dragged him, protesting, down the stairs.

He was still protesting violently, urging me to let him return and do the job, when Angel came out of the door at the bottom of the tower. She wore a very cheerful air; I could see that my change of purpose had been a great relief to her. I was relieved myself.

But when Sir Reginald followed her out, my face darkened, and I said sternly: "Sir Reginald, I have been deceived in you. You have proved yourself unworthy our acquaintance."

"Eh? What?" cried Sir Reginald, gaping at me.

"It is not your atrocious bridge," I said, hardening my heart as I thought of the wrongs Angel and I had endured at his hands. "It is not your anecdotes, nor your puns, nor your views on the fiscal question. It is that when a worthy object of charity was presented to your notice you preferred an unworthy one. You preferred the Patagonians to the sick children of Stepney"

"God bless my soul! Is the man mad?" said Sir Reginald.