"I presumed you were not familiar with Yale, or you would not be in the dormitories without a chaperon," said Thornton, aloud. "It is all right, though," he has
tened to declare, as she seemed to shrink back. "I will escort you over to South Middle, and help you find your cousin. My name is Thornton—Thomas Thornton."
"You are very good, Mr. Thornton, but I think I can find Danny all right. I will not put you to the trouble."
"Oh, it will be no trouble—not the least in the world, I assure you."
"Still I don't know what Danny would think. Even though your company would be very pleasant, I dare not accept it without a proper introduction, Mr.—Mr. Thornton."
This was said in the most coquettish manner possible, and Tom Thornton felt his heart beating proudly.
"I've struck her all right!" he told himself. "I mustn't let it slip. I'll improve the opportunity."
So he talked to her in his most fascinating manner, and was bold enough to express a hope that he might see her again, to which she replied that he "might." And when she left Tom was in a state of delighted satisfaction, thoroughly pleased with himself.
Thornton was inclined to boast of his conquests,
and it was not long before he had told several of his friends about the "corking pretty girl" who had wandered into his room.