Page:Georgie by Dorothea Deakin, 1906.djvu/36

"Georgie" His dejected air vanished, and his handsome, boyish face lit up. Georgie is always charming when he is happy.

"You didn't bring a late edition of to-day's 'News' said he; "Maclaren's latest was ninety-four not out, and—"

I escaped.

Back in my lonely rooms I flung myself into a chair, and in unvarnished terms told my drab wall paper what I thought of the universe in general, and Georgie in particular. I wished with all my heart that I was not so absurdly fond of the young fool; that I had not promised to keep silent about his secret engagement to Violet; that I had had his broad shoulders and good looks to help me in my own wooing; and last of all, even, that I had never met Drusilla, to disturb my peace of mind in this unpleasant way.

I determined to keep out of her way. It was the only thing left to me.

"Every time I see her," said I to myself, "I have the whole unhappy struggle over again. I will try to forget 20