be accompanied by some feeble selection from the ill-balanced
outpourings of Byron (who is my pet aversion) was, indeed, almost
revolting.

Further, her attitude towards me in the presence of others was one of
open hostility. So well, indeed, did she act on one occasion when I
happened to be dining at her brother's house, that a new hope sprang up
within me. I began to think that her strange uncalled-for passion for
me had passed--in short, that her love had turned to hate. So
impressed was I with this idea that when I next called at the
Warringtons' I asked Elizabeth if I could speak to her alone for a few
moments.

'About Miss Marryun, I'll bet,' she remarked. Looking at her I thought
she accompanied her words with a slight lowering of the left eyelid. I
trust I was mistaken. Free as the girl is in her speech I have never
given her any encouragement to embellish it by winking.

[Illustration: A slight lowering of the left eyelid.]

'Naturally, the subject has been preying on my mind,' I admitted. 'But
I am not so tortured with misgivings as before. Miss Warrington has
ceased to--er--interest herself in me. In fact she detests me.'

'Oo ses that tom-my-rot?' asked the girl, turning on me almost fiercely.

'Miss Warrington was so excessively rude and abrupt in her manner to me
the other evening,' I explained, 'that I am now convinced she has
suddenly grown to hate me.'