"I only wished to show you how he felt, so you would have some sympathy for him."
"If you don't stop," said the almost desperate girl, "I will shut myself up and not appear till he is gone. I will any way, if you don't make me a solemn promise."
"Leave out the 'solemn.'"
"No, I won't. Upon your word and honor, promise never to tell what has happened—my mistake, I mean."
"Oh, Elsie, it's too good to keep," laughed George.
"Now, George, if you tell," sobbed Elsie, "you'll spoil my holiday, your visit, and everything."
"If you feel that way, you foolish child, of course I won't tell. Indeed, I suppose I should not, for Stanhope seems half frightened out of his wits also."
"Serves him right, though I doubt whether he has many to lose," said
Elsie, spitefully.
"Well, I will do my best to keep in," said George, soothingly, and stroking her curls. "But you will let it all out; you see. The idea of your keeping anything with your April face!"
Elsie acted upon the hint, and went to her room in order to remove all traces of agitation before the supper-bell should summon her to meet the dreaded stranger.