own name spoken as he reached it. He hesitated, for a group of girls
was surrounding Elinor Wream, discussing him. There was no escape.
The upper door was locked, and he would rather have met that unknown
villainous face in the dark cave than to face this group of pretty girls.
So he waited.

"Oh, Elinor, you mercenary creature!"

"What if he is a bit crude?"

"I don't blame you. I'm daffy about Professor Burgess myself."

"He's got the grandest voice, Vic has!"

"I just adore Greek!"

"I think Vic is splendid!"

So the exclamations ran.

"Now, Norrie Wream, cross your heart, hope you may die,
if big, handsome Victor Burleigh had his corners knocked off,
and he was sandpapered down a little, and had money, wouldn't you
feel a whole lot different about him, Norrie?"

"I certainly would. I couldn't help it."

Norrie's eyes were shining and her cheeks were pink as peach blossoms.
To Vic she seemed exquisitely beautiful.