“Why, of course—of course, I—I was flustered by that horrid affair. A street-fight! But it could not be helped, and the men had insulted me.”
“The scoundrels!” exclaimed Frank, rousing again at the thought of it. “They got off altogether too easily!”
The stranger had turned and walked away a short distance. Seeing this, Inza, who appeared more perplexed and distressed than ever, said:
“I must go! I’ll see you both at New Haven during the Easter holidays, for I expect to be there then.”
Starbright was glaring after the stranger, and did not seem to hear her words. Merry, however, was giving her the closest attention, and he quickly said:
“That’s right, Inza—do come. Everybody will be delighted to see ‘the Mascot of the Crew.’”
She held out her gloved hand.
“And you?”
“You know how pleased I’ll be,” he said, taking her hand.
She gave his fingers a little pressure, while she tried to smile into his eyes.