William was in the road.
"She told me to tell you," said William unblushingly, "that she was
busy to-night, an' would you mind not coming."
The tense lines of Mr. Lambkin's face relaxed.
"Oh, William," he said, "it's a great relief. I'm going away early
to-morrow, but I was afraid that to-night----" he was almost
hysterical with relief. "She's so kind, but I was afraid that--well,
well, I can't say I'm sorry--I'd promised to come, and I couldn't
break it. But I was afraid--and I hear she's sold her house and is
leaving in a month, so--but she's kind--_very_ kind."
He turned back with alacrity.
"Thanks for letting me have the clothes," said William.
"Oh, quite welcome, William. They're nice things for a boy to dress up
in, no doubt. I can't say I--but she's _very_ kind. Don't let her see
you playing with them, William."
William grunted and returned to his back garden.
[Illustration: "GREGORIUS," SAID THE PRESIDENT. "HOW DEAR OF YOU TO
COME IN COSTUME!" THE FIGURE MADE NO MOVEMENT.]
For some time silence reigned over the three back gardens. Then Miss
Gregoria Mush emerged and came towards the seat by the fence. A figure
was already seated there in the half dusk, a figure swathed in a toga
with the toga drawn also over its drooping head.
"Gregorius!" said the President. "How dear of you to come in costume!"
The figure made no movement.
"You know what I have in my heart, Gregorius?"
Still no answer.
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