'Will you believe it?' said Laurette, laughing—'he has solemnly made up his mind that unless you write to him about something, or give him some direct encouragement, he will from this time forth try to think of you only as a friend. I believe that is partly why he has gone to Flemington.'
'I am glad that he is reasonable at fast,' answered Stella; but, notwithstanding the words, Laurette felt sure there was some pique in the flush that settled in the girl's cheeks.
CHAPTER XXV.
When Ritchie returned, and found that during his absence Stella had taken her departure for Lullaboolagana, his chagrin was extreme.
'She asked me to say good-bye to you for herself and Dustiefoot, and gave her kind regards to Shah,' said Laurette, as she sat skimming a budget of letters and notes that had just been delivered.
Ted felt like one who has suddenly been dragged out of the sunlight, and has had the key turned on him in a cheerless dungeon.
'She is to finish her visit in September,' said Laurette, when she found that Ted made no response.
He stared at the Age for some time in gloomy silence, glancing from one column to another as if he were reading, but not seeing a line.
'Well, I don't suppose it's to make much difference to me whether she comes here or anywhere else,' he answered.
Laurette made no reply.