"You are rather an awe-inspiring person, Valentine," Julian said one day.
Valentine looked surprised.
"I never knew it," he answered. "Who is afraid of me?"
"Oh, I don't know--well, Rip, for one, and--and that girl, Cuckoo, for
another."
"Why is she afraid?"
"I can't imagine."
"I could soon put her at her ease, and I will do so."
He went over to the mantelpiece and took up an envelope that was lying
there. From it he drew a slip of coloured paper.
"This will be the talisman," he said. "Have you forgotten that Saturday
is boat-race day?"
"What, you have really got a box for the 'Empire'?"
"Yes; and I mean to invite Miss Bright."
Julian exclaimed with his usual frankness:
"Why the devil do you think of asking her?"
"Because I am certain she will be amusing company on such an occasion."
"That's your real reason?"
"Yes. She will come, of course?"
Julian looked rather doubtful.
"I don't know," he said. "She may."
"She must, Julian. Here is a note I have written to her. Do give it to
her yourself. I can't be thought a bogey. She must come and learn that
I am harmless."
As he said this Valentine's fingers unconsciously twisted the note they
held so strongly that it was torn to shreds.
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