They were civil to each other when chance threw them together, but Betty usually left the room on some pretext soon after he entered.

Alfred regretted his hasty exhibition of resentment and would have been glad to establish friendly relations with her.

But she would not give him an opportunity.

She avoided him on all possible occasions.

Though Alfred was fast succumbing to the charm of Betty's beautiful face, though his desire to be near her had grown well nigh resistless, his pride had not yet broken down.