All in a garden fair; the simple story of three boys ... - University Library

262 M.r. /.y A GARDEX FAIR.
' Go on, Tommy,' said Will encouragingly.
Neither of them ever paid Tommy the deference
due to a Partner.
' It's about Claire.' The other two started
and looked guilty. ' Yes, about Claire. I
think it right to tell you, because you go to the
Cottage so often and seem to consider the place
your own property, that after to-day you will
have to wait till you are invited.'
' Indeed, Tommy ! Why?'
' Because I've written to Claire—henceforth
Mademoiselle Philipon to everybody except
myself, if you please. Remember that—I've
written to her, and the letter is in my pocket,
asking her—in fact—to become Mrs. Gallaway.'
'Oho!' cried Will—what did they both
laugh for ?—' And the letter is in your pocket? '
' In my pocket. I've consented to waive
the difierencc in rank, and have offered her
my hand.' He held it out, a white, fat hand,
with the same expression upon it as upon his
face. Everylx)dy knows this peculiarity in
hands. It was a carefully groomed hand, too,