Willie could scarce believe his ears. 'Macgreegor! did she no
cough up onything?'

Macgregor walked on.

'An' she fancies hersel' for a ---- swell!' exclaimed Willie
viciously.

'Anither word an' I'll knock the face aff ye!'

It was Willie's turn to feel resentment.

In the evening came a note from Christina, hurriedly written. She
was terribly busy getting ready for the morning train. It was most
kind of Mrs. Purdie. Her own uncle must have let drop to Mr.
Purdie that a summer outing this year was not possible, and Mr.
Purdie must have told Mrs. Purdie. . . . Of course, she,
Christina, would never have dreamed of going away otherwise. But
the time would soon pass, Mac, and she intended to enjoy it
thoroughly. . . .

If only she had left out that last sentence! But what true lover
has not been stabbed by something very like it in his time?




XV

THE FAT GIRL AGAIN