"Mr. Jones!" Geraldine was struggling between embarrassment and mirth.
"And," went on the shameless Tydvil, "after he had left the room I recognised for the first time what a lovely girl you are."
"Now stop!" Geraldine cut in abruptly. "Understand this, Mr. Jones, only one man can say that to me, and you are not that man."
"Don't waggle your finger at me, Geraldine, it's rude, and, moreover, don't imagine for a moment, that in telling you this I am harbouring invidious ideas regarding you--I'm not!"
"Lucky for you," sniffed the indignant maiden.
"What I am telling you is purely explanatory. Mind, though," he added laughing, "if I were not sure you were thoroughly besotted over Billy, I don't know that my regard would be so platonic."
"Besotted!" she almost hissed. "Besotted, what a w
