“Betty,” he faltered.
“Don’t you think it would be nicer to say Miss Kingsford?”
“No, I don’t,” he replied doggedly.
“I do; much nicer.” Betty hummed a tune.
“Betty,” he pleaded, “don’t be mean. It—I—I want to explain, please.”
“Explain what?” asked Betty, with a great show of interest.
“Why I haven’t been to see you.”
“Why, you were studying very hard, of course.”
“I wasn’t. I mean, that isn’t the reason.”
“Oh!” Betty’s face fell. “Now you’ve gone and spoiled it all! You’re not a grind, after all? And to think of all the sympathy and admiration I’ve wasted on you! Really, you’re very disappointing!”