235
I think it was a real pleasure to Dick to get Norah's message that he was expected to tea that evening. Like the rest of his sex, he was not quite free from vanity; for when I told him, his first act was to look down at himself ruefully, and his first words were:—
"But I say, old lad! look at the mess I'm in; and these clothes are not much, anyhow."
"Never mind, Dick, you are as good as I am."
"Oh, well!" he laughed, "if you'll do, I suppose I needn't mind. We're both pretty untidy. No, begad," he added, looking me all over, "you're not out of the perpendicular with regard to cleanliness, anyhow. I say, Art! who's been tidying you up? Oh! I see! Forgive me, old lad; and quite natural, too! Miss Joyce should see you blush, Art! Why, you are as rosy as a girl!"
"Call her 'Norah,' Dick! it is more natural, and I am sure she will like it better. She is to look on you as a brother, you know!"
"All right, Art," he answered heartily, "but you
