"Betty Emmit."
"A short lived engagement!" exclaimed Alma.
"I am not sorry," returned George. "I felt worried over her. She didn't seem happy."
There was a moment's silence, then Alma said kindly,
"George, you don't look well. What are you going to do now?"
"I'm only tired out, Alma. I think that I will take a trip to somewhere for a good rest—away from New York and excitement for a time. I almost feel like making a hermit of myself for a while."
"Why not visit Ephraim?" asked Alma, "The change of climate and quiet would do you good, and you couldn't be lonesome with Betty there."
"That's a first class idea, Alma, I'll surprise Betty. I think her company would be a splendid antidote for my unsettled mood. At all times, she's a comfort, isn't she?"
Alma looked at him keenly.
"George, did it ever occur to you how fond you are of Betty?"