It was all over at last; diplomas were presented, the usual remarks made and advice given, and then admiring friends crowded about to offer congratulations and express their pride and pleasure in their loved ones.
In the midst of this confusion Gladys stepped aside a moment to ascertain what her little billet contained.
“My darling,” she read. “I would not have missed this hour to have secured a fortune, and yet I came very near it. I will be in the reception-room below after the exercises are over. Come and receive my verdict there.
Geoff.”
CHAPTER XVII.
A DISAPPOINTED LOVER.
Gladys stole away from the crowd as soon as she could do so without attracting attention, and sped down to the reception-room to find her lover.
He was there and alone, fortunately, as nearly all the guests were still in the hall above, and his face lighted with a luminous smile as she sprang toward him, gladness beaming through every feature.
“Dear old Geoff!”
“My darling!” was all the salutation that passed between them, and then for an instant Gladys was folded close to her lover’s breast in a fond embrace.
“Oh, Geoff, I thought you had not come; I never got a glimpse of you until almost the last minute, and was so disappointed that I was about ready to break down,” Gladys said, with a little nervous shiver, as she remembered how nearly her courage had failed her.