CHAPTER XV.

"DROP IT."

For ten or twelve days after the little dinner in Berkeley Square Guss Mildmay bore her misfortunes without further spoken complaint. During all that time, though they were both in London, she never saw Jack De Baron, and she knew that in not seeing her he was neglecting her. But for so long she bore it. It is generally supposed that young ladies have to bear such sorrow without loud complaint; but Guss was more thoroughly emancipated than are some young ladies, and when moved was wont to speak her mind. At last, when she herself was only on foot with her father, she saw Jack De Baron riding with Lady George. It is quite true that she also saw, riding behind them, her perfidious friend, Mrs. Houghton, and a gentleman whom at that time she did not know to be Lady George's father. This was early in March, when equestrians in the park are not numerous. Guss stood for a moment looking at them, and Jack De Baron took off his hat. But Jack did not stop, and went on talking with that pleasant vivacity which she, poor girl, knew so well and valued so highly. Lady George liked it too, though she could hardly have given any reason for liking it, for, to tell the truth, there was not often much pith in Jack's conversation.

On the following morning Captain De Baron, who had lodgings in Charles Street close to the Guards' Club, had a letter brought to him before he was out of bed. The letter was from Guss Mildmay, and he knew the handwriting well. He had received many notes from her, though none so interesting on the whole as was this letter. Miss Mildmay's letter to Jack was as follows. It was written, certainly, with a swift pen, and, but that he knew her writing well, would in parts have been hardly legible.

1. Who is Guss hoping to see?
2. did she feel neglected?
3. where di she finally see him?
4. who was she with?
5. Was she riding?
6. was Jack alone?
7. who was he with?
8. anyone else?
9. who/
10. who else?
11. Were they on foot?
12. did they stop to talk to Guss?
13. did he acknowledge them at all?
14. how>
15. did he say anything?
16. who was he talking to?
17. When did he receive a note?
18. early?
19. was he familiar with the penmanship?
20. was it neatly written?

Numbered answers:
1. Jack De Baron,
2. yes
3. the park
4. her father
5. . no
6. no
7. Jack De Baron riding with Lady George.
8. yes
9. one was Mrs. Houghton,
10. Lady George's father.
11. no
12. no
13. yes
14. Jack De Baron took off his hat
15. noit to her
16. Lady Georg
17. the next day
18. yes
19. yes
20. no