Geoffrey's Victory by Mrs Georgie Sheldon — page 103: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

A DISAPPOINTED LOVER. 99 of the day. The rapt and breathless attention of the hun-_ dreds before her testified to that, and when she concluded a perfect storm of applause showed their apprecation and how completely she had swayed them by her elo- quence. More than this, numerous floral tributes were borne forward and laid at her feet. These she acknowledged with blush, and smile, and bow; but when at the very last an exquisite bouquet of lilies- of-the- valley followed the more pretentious offerings, she eagerly str etched forth her white-gloved hand and took it from the bearer. They were her favorite flowers, and she knew that Geoffrey had sent them, even without the evidence of the tiny note that lay twisted in their midst and concealed from every eye but hers. Everet Mapleson’s card was attached to an elaborate basket of japonicas, roses, and heliotrope. Mr. Huntress had sent up a harp of pansies and smilax, and two or three of Gladys’ admiring classmates had contributed lovely bouquets, but her little bunch of lilies, tied with snow-white ribbon, was prized above them all. It was all over at last; diplomas were presented, the usual remarks made and advice given,and then admiring frieuds crowded about to offer congratulations and ex- press their pride and pleasure in their loved ones. In the midst of this confusion Gladys stepped abate a moment to ascertain what her little billet contained. ‘‘My darling,” she read. ‘I would not have missed this hour to have secured a fortune, aud yet I came very near it. Iwill bein the reception-room below after the exercises are over. Come and receive my verdict there. GEOFF.” CHAPTER XVII. A DISAPPOINTED LOVER. Gladys stole away from the crowd as soon as she could do so without attracting attention, and sped down to the reception-room to find her lover. . He was there and alone, fortunately, as nearly all the guests were still in the hall above, and his face lighted with a luminous smile as she sprang toward him, glad- ness beaming through every feature. = Dear old Geoff !” 19? ‘My darling!” was all the salutation that pass sed _be-_