The Charm School
her to study algebra for fear of destroying the perfect irrationality of her mental processes. Stupid people."
A loud sudden gong sounded. Dinner was ready.
The whole school was seated when Austin with his visitors entered and made his way toward the senior table. Mrs. Rolles at once picked out Elise.
"Oh," she exclaimed, "isn't that Mr, Johns's little granddaughter? Do let her sit next to me."
Nothing was easier. Austin sat down with Mrs. Rolles on his right and Elise next to her, Susie on his left, and Miss Hayes beyond.
"How have you been, Austin?" said Susie, softly.
Now it is well, though perhaps subconsciously, known that between lovers this question really means: How have you borne up under the intolerable agony of our separation? And so it was a surprise to Susie when Austin, who seemed more ready to turn his head to the right than to the left, answered:
"I've been very busy."
She knew what this meant—that his mind had been occupied with things other than
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