circular-faced boy, with severely flaxen hair. No, you need not look
across the room--not the least like what she is now! Great jealousy may
make me unjust, but I don't think he had any advantage over me save one,
and he used that mercilessly. He wore collars boldly erect under his fat
checks, while those of the rest of us lay prostrate, after the simple
fashion of my childhood. The _prestige_ was too much for Ellen's weak
mind. (Did I tell you her name was Ellen?) Bottom monopolized Titania
for the rest of the evening. I could have beaten him with ease and
satisfaction to myself, but I refrained; and, rushing into the
supper-room, drained three glasses of weak negus with the energy of
despair.

"I have never suffered any thing since like the torment of the next two
hours. I saw her several times afterward, and might have made play,
perhaps, but the phantom of a round red face, with collars starched _à
l'outrance_, always came between us. It is only a slight satisfaction to
hear that she has utterly lost sight of my rival, and promises to cut
him dead the first time they meet. There's the history of a young heart
blighted--of a crushed affection! I am not aware if there is any moral
in it; if there is, you are very welcome to it, I am sure. You might
look a little more sympathizing, though, even if I _have_ bored you."

Flora tried to look grave, but the dancing light in her rebellious eyes
betrayed her, even before her merry musical laugh broke in.

"It is far the most touching thing I ever heard. Poor child, how you
must have suffered! I wonder you ever smiled again. How well she sings,
does she not? when she does not try to go too high."

"Don't be severe," Guy retorted; "you may have to sing yourself some