Part 44 (2/2)

I confess to disappointment, but the disappointment is largely mitigated by the knowledge that the prize which I failed to acquire went to one who is so worthy of it, and for whom I cherish the emotions of profound esteem and good will. Your devoted and disappointed rival, Heinrich Kellerman.”

”Rather sporting of him, isn't it?” said Jane to her friend Ethel Murray, who had come to dinner.

”Sporting?” said Ethel. ”It is the last thing I would have said about Kellerman.”

”That is the worst of prizes,” said Jane, ”some one has to lose.”

”Just the way I feel about Mr. MacLean,” said Ethel. ”He ought to have had the medal and not I. He knows more philosophy in a minute than I in a week.”

”Oh, I wouldn't say that,” said Jane judicially. ”And though I am awfully glad you got it, Ethel, I am sorry for Mr. MacLean. You know he is working his way through college, and has to keep up a mission through the term. He is a good man.”

”Yes, he is good, a little too good,” said Ethel, making a little face.

”Isn't it splendid about Larry Gwynne getting the Proficiency, and the first in Engineering? Now he is what I call a sport. Of course he doesn't go in for games much, but he's into everything, the Lit., the Dramatic Society, and Scuddy says he helped him tremendously with the Senior cla.s.s in the Y. M. C. A. work.”

”Yes,” said Jane, ”and the Register told Papa that the University had never graduated such a brilliant student. And Ramsay Dunn told me that he just ran the Athletic a.s.sociation and was really responsible for the winning of the track team.”

”What a pity about Ramsay Dunn,” said Ethel. ”He just managed to sc.r.a.pe through. Do you know, the boys say he kept himself up mostly on whiskey-and-sodas through the exams. He must be awfully clever, and he is so good-looking.”

”Poor Ramsay,” said Jane, ”he has not had a very good chance. I mean, he has too much money. He is coming to dinner to-night, Ethel, and Frank Smart, too.”

”Oh, Frank Smart! They say he is doing awfully well. Father says he is one of the coming men in his profession. He is a great friend of yours, isn't he, Jane?” said Ethel, with a meaning smile.

”We have known him a long time,” said Jane, ignoring the smile. ”We think a great deal of him.”

”When have you seen Larry?” enquired Ethel. ”He comes here a lot, doesn't he?”

”Yes. He says this is his Winnipeg home. I haven't seen him all to-day.”

”You don't mean to tell me!” exclaimed Ethel.

”I mean I haven't seen him to congratulate him on his medal. His mother will be so glad.”

”You know his people, don't you? Tell me about them. You see, I may as well confess to you that I have a fearful crush on Larry.”

”I know,” said Jane sympathetically.

”But,” continued Ethel, ”he is awfully difficult. His people are ranching, aren't they? And poor, I understand.”

”Yes, they are ranching,” said Jane, ”and Larry has had quite a hard time getting through. I had a lovely visit last fall with them.”

”Oh, tell me about it!” exclaimed Ethel. ”I heard a little, you know, from Larry.”

For half an hour Jane dilated on her western visit to the Lakeside Farm.

”Oh, you lucky girl!” cried Ethel. ”What a chance you had! To think of it! Three weeks, lonely rides, moonlight, and not a soul to b.u.t.t in! Oh, Jane! I only wish I had had such a chance! Did nothing happen, Jane? Oh, come on now, you are too awfully oysteresque. Didn't he come across at all?”

<script>