“Telegraph reply.
“S. T.”
“Poor fellow,” said Ned; “my heart bleeds for him.”
Zoe was affected by this, and turned liquid and loving eyes on “dear Ned.” But Fanny stood her ground. “Go to 'S. T.' to-morrow morning, but don't desert 'Z. V.' and 'F. D.' to-night.” Zoe smiled.
“But I have telegraphed!” objected Ned.
“Then telegraph again—not,” said Fanny firmly.
Now, this was unexpected. Severne had set his heart upon rouge et noir, but still he was afraid of offending Zoe; and, besides, he saw Uxmoor, with his noble beard and brown eyes, casting rapturous glances at her. “Let Miss Vizard decide,” said he. “Don't let me be so unhappy as to offend her twice in one day.”
Zoe's pride and goodness dictated her answer, in spite of her wishes. She said, in a low voice, “Go to your sick friend.”
“There,” said Severne.
“I hear,” said Fanny. “She means 'go;' but you shall repent it.”