“It was only a pleasure,” he said. “Next time I hope to bring better news.”
“Then there is to be a next time?” she asked archly.
“Of course,” he replied, and laughed.
“Hurry, Tom, or Miss Philock may order you out,” urged Madge. “You’ve overstayed your leave as it is, and she may punish us for it. Good-by,” and she held out her hand. Tom clasped it, but a careful observer, with a split-second watch, might have noted that he did not hold it quite as long as he had held Ruth’s.
A few minutes later Tom was out on the campus, walking toward the trolley that would take him to Haddonfield. His brain was in something of a whirl, and his heart was strangely light.
“My! but she’s pretty!” he exclaimed half aloud. “What fine eyes! I—I—— Oh, well, what’s the use of talking to yourself?” And with that sage reflection Tom pursued his silent way.
Back in the parlor the three girls stood for a moment.
“I like your cousin very much, Madge, dear,” said Ruth.
“I shouldn’t wonder!” exclaimed Madge shortly, and she turned and hurried from the room.
Ruth looked at her in some surprise.