“But suppose I make your possible requirements a condition of my engagements,” said Louis, archly; “you have no objection to that, have you?”
“Only I cannot imagine such a case.”
“Such is the case, however, this afternoon. I had the vanity to hope you would let me walk with you, and so only engaged myself conditionally.”
“To whom were you engaged in default of my sufferance?”
“I was going to stay with Casson,” replied Louis, hesitatingly. “He has a cold and headache, and he asked me if I would stay with him in the class-room, where he is obliged to stay while we are out.”
“Casson!” said Hamilton, contemptuously; “you were not talking to him just now?”
“No; I was only listening to Ferrers. He was telling me about a wager Frank had just laid with Salisbury.”
“How is it you prefer Casson to your friend Clifton?”
“Oh, Hamilton, I don't much like Casson; but he asked me, poor fellow. Charlie's engaged to West—our days are Sunday, Monday, and Thursday.”
“Which of you is first now?”