Page:Firecrackers a realistic novel.pdf/88

 You are not aware, perhaps, that Consuelo has also struck up an acquaintance with this young man of irregular customs.

If it's the chap she met at the florist's, Vera told me something.

It is, I believe you will discover, the same. At any rate, we shan't know unless we take Consuelo with us. I think I shall invite Vera, too.

Vera! Paul groaned.

Now, Paulet, you must learn to be more sympathetic with Vera. You're not playing the game. You don't want to go back to your flat in Gramercy Park, do you?

Some days I think I'd like to.

Campaspe regarded this friend of long standing with something approaching consternation. What had come over him? What was the cause of this eclipse of his usually blithe spirit? Well, it would serve no purpose to inquire. As was her happy way, she bided her time.

But you haven't answered my question, 'paspe, Paul persisted. What do you think this boy's up to?

Paulet, she mock-chided him, you appear to regard this serious matter as if it were merely a cross-word puzzle.

It gets me! he exclaimed. I'm eaten up with curiosity. I'm inquisitive and, at the same time, I half-sense something. 'paspe, he blurted out, re-