“Carlotta,” I said, still holding her hand, “I have told you how I once loved Lulie——”
“And there she is now,” she said, quickly withdrawing her hand, then putting it back in mine, as if it was nothing to be ashamed of.
Sure enough, Lulie, Frank and Ned crossed over from Dr. Mayland’s and approached our stoop.
“John, I have come over to say good-bye, as you would not come to see me,” said Lulie, seating herself at Carlotta’s feet.
“‘Twas because I thought you would, of course, be engaged for to-night, not because I did not want to,” I replied, in a tone divided between a sneer and a smile.
“You know I am always glad to see you, John,” she said, rising again to her feet; “but we have not long to stay, Frank, and had better go now, as he is so ungracious, even on the eve of parting.”
“Pardon me, Lulie,” I said, her words recalling me to a sense of propriety. “Do not let us part in bad humor.”
“Certainly not,” she replied; “but,” changing the subject, “do you not dread the ordeal of initiation? Frank says, though, he will not let the fellows, as he calls them, trouble you much.”
“We are obliged to Frank for his kind intentions, but hope to be able to take care of ourselves,” I replied, my ungracious feelings returning reinforced.
“I’ve a great notion to let you fellows alone, and let our class have its own way with you,” said Frank, tapping the railing with a little gold headed switch he called a cane.