So intent were his thoughts on the affectionate lines that he was
oblivious to everything around him, and Mr. Sherwood spoke his name twice
before Plaisted awoke from his reverie.
He felt inclined to refuse the kindly-worded invitation to dinner which Mr.
Sherwood extended to him, but, on second thoughts, accepted it; he would
satisfy himself as to whether Gussie sent the valentine or not. But it took
only a few questions to assure him that Gussie was innocent, after all, and
she seemed so offended when he asked if she had told his name to anyone
that he felt compelled to believe she knew nothing of the matter. Gussie
was too much enraptured with her own valentine to take much note of
Plaisted's abstracted manner, for even the sight of Gussie's pretty face
did not put aside the memory of those tormenting lines.
But his torture was only begun. Dexie was determined to crowd into a few
hours the annoyance he had spread over several days in her case. Her plans
were well laid, and she had even studied a book of statistics for his
benefit. A few minutes before dinner was announced, while Gussie was adding
a few touches to her toilet, Dexie came into her room, and, after a few
general remarks, said: "Mr.
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