Big Game - A Story for Girls

There were no traces of dreaminess in the brown eyes at this moment; the

dilated pupil gave to them an appearance of extraordinary depth and

intensity; it was easy to see that the lad had been swept off his feet

by the rugged force of the speaker's words, and was kindled into a like

enthusiasm.

Lads of nineteen and twenty make it so much a matter of principle to

suppress all exhibition of feeling, that it is almost startling to come

across one who is not ashamed to betray a little human emotion. Mr

Elgood evidently found it so, for he continued to cast those quick

peering glances until the inn was reached, and the little party

separated, to prepare for the midday dinner.

Margot walked slowly up the steep staircase leading to her room, and sat

herself down on the bed to think out the problem. More and more did she

long to pierce through the armour by which the strange, silent man was

enveloped; but how was it to be done? Opportunities were few and far

between, and now, for the first time in her life, confidence in her own

powers deserted her, and she was overcome by a strange new feeling of

humility and doubt. Who and what was she, that such a man should stoop

to accept her friendship; poor, unlettered girl that she was, while he

was acknowledged as one of the leading intellects of the day? Yet deep

in her heart the thought lingered that between this man and herself

existed a certain affinity, which, given an opportunity, might bridge

over greater gaps than that of intellect and learning. How was that

opportunity to be gained? She might be willing to sacrifice much to

attain it, but there was one thing that could never be thrown on one

side--her natural maidenly pride and dignity! Not even for Ron's sake

could she bring herself to make advances to a man who, so far from

exhibiting any desire for her company, had gone markedly out of his way

to avoid it.

Ron himself was useless in such circumstances, a creature of moods,

living for the moment only, content to forget the future in the

enjoyment of present good. To drive him into the Editor's company

against his will could do no good, since he would certainly reveal

himself in his worst light, and in aggravating, topsy-turvy fashion he

had taken a violent fancy for the wrong brother.

The Chieftain's geniality and candour, his boy-like lightness of heart

on the one hand, his passion for right on the other, were fast

developing a species of hero-worship in the lad's mind. Margot foresaw

that, as time passed by, the two would grow closer together, and that

any chance of intimacy with the other brother would retreat helplessly

into the background. Unless--! Her face flamed as a possible solution

of the difficulty darted suddenly into her mind. Could she? Dared she

risk it? Yes, she could. It would be difficult, but she could bring

herself to face it, if after a few days' consideration it still seemed

the only way out of the difficulty.