"Where are you going, young man?" he said. "But I know--and that is
your excuse for such shocking taste as you display. As for the within
bear," and Roundjacket pointed toward Mr. Rushton's apartment, "he is
unpardonable!"
"Well, good-bye."
These latter words were uttered as Verty went out, followed by
Longears, and closed the door of the office after him.
He had scarcely heard or understood Mr. Rushton's extraordinary
speech: but had comprehended that he was free to go away, and in the
troubled state of his mind, this was a great boon. Yes! he would go
and suffer again in Redbud's presence--this time he would know whether
she really hated him. And then that passage in the letter! The thought
tore his heart.
What could the reason for this dislike possibly be? Certainly not his
familiar ascent to her room, on the previous day. Could it have been
because she did not like him in his fine clothes? Was this latter
possible? It might be.
"I'll go to Mr. O'Brallaghan's and get my old suit--he has not sent
them yet," said Verty, aloud; "then I'll go and see Redbud just as she
used to see me in old times, at Apple Orchard, when we were--ah!--so
happy!"
The "ah" above, represents a very deep sigh, which issued from Verty's
breast, as he went along with the dignified Longears at his heels.
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