Page:The Fate of Fenella (1892).djvu/34

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JUSTIN H. McCARTHY, M. P.
19

three weeks ago—and do you know, Castleton, there are times when I'm tired of the whole business."

"By Jove! what would the judges say if they heard the famous Clitheroe Jacynth talking like this?"

"My dear fellow, I'm not famous, and if I were, what's the good of being famous at the price of becoming a fossil?"

"Do you know," said Castleton, with a grin, "I believe you must be mashed on somebody or other, by Jove, I do. If you talk——"

Before Castleton had finished his sentence he became aware that Jacynth was not paying him much attention. In fact, Jacynth's gaze seemed to be directed very intently toward the end of the garden, and Jacynth's mind appeared to be giving no heed whatever to Castleton's amiable garrulity. So Castleton, following the direction of his friend's glance, saw in the distance a woman's form, a form that was familiar to him, a form that he had already seen that day.

"By Jove!" said Castleton to himself softly. He had no time to say more, even to himself, for Jacynth had jumped to his feet and was bidding him good-by.

"Glad to have met you, hope to see you soon again." These were the words Jacynth was saying, with a confusion curiously at variation with his habitual composure. He shook Castleton