ty was Billy's report of a conversation overheard by him; and,
though it might be all true, I had no right, I felt, without further
proof, even if then, to do anything.

On the whole, I came to the conclusion I had better go to bed, which I
did. But whether I slept or not the reader may guess.

CHAPTER THIRTY SIX.

HOW HAWKESBURY AND I CAME ACROSS ONE ANOTHER RATHER SERIOUSLY.

It took a great effort to appear before Hawkesbury next morning as if I
was not aware of his meanness. Now Jack was away, he once again put on
an air of friendliness towards me which was particularly aggravating.
Had he only made himself disagreeable, and given me an opportunity of
venting my wrath, I should have been positively grateful. But to stand
by all day and be simpered to, and even cringed to, was galling in the
extreme.

I did once venture on a mild protest.

He was speaking to me about the coming holidays, and begging me in a
most humble manner to choose what time I should like to take mine,
assuring me that any time would do for him.

I suggested, curtly, that as Doubleday had not yet had his holiday I
considered he had first choice.

"Oh," he said, "I don't think so. Besides, Batchelor, Doubleday and I
could both be away at the same time; but I really would hardly feel
comfortable in going unless you could take charge of the petty-cash
while I am away."

"Smith will be back," I said; "he could do that for you."

As I expected, his face clouded.

"I can't agree with you there, Batchelor. But don't let us talk of
that. I hope you will choose the time you would like best. I can
easily arrange for any time."

"I don't know what makes you so wonderfully civil," said I, losing
patience at all this soft soap. "After all that has happened,
Hawkesbury, I should have thought you might have spared yourself this
gush, as far as I was concerned."

"I would like bygones to be bygones between us, Batchelor. I know quite
well I have been to blame in many things! I am sorry for them now, if
it prevents our being friends."

And he smiled sweetly.

I gave it up in disgust, and let him say what he liked. It was not
worth the trouble of preventing him, unless I was prepared for an open
rupture, which just then I felt would be unwise, both on Jack's account
and my own.

So he had the satisfaction of believing his sweetness had made its due
impression on my savage breast, and of scoring to himself a victory in
consequen