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" That was Ronald's state of
mind. He had led the most sober of lives, and the wildest dissipation he
remembered was the Lord Mayor's supper to the Oxford and Cambridge crews,
when he himself had been one of the winners. But surely, for a
disappointed lover there could be no course so proper as a speedy death by
dissipation--which would serve Joe right. Therefore, on his return to his
hotel, he ordered whiskey, in a sepulchral tone of voice. He tasted it,
and thought it detestable.
On reflection, he would put off the commencement of his wild career until
the evening after he had seen Joe again. The ravages of drink would not be
perceptible so soon, after all. He changed his tie for one of a darker
hue, ate sparingly of a beefsteak, and went back to bid Joe a last
farewell.
Sybil Brandon and Miss Schenectady were elements in the solemn leave-
taking which Ronald had not anticipated. Sybil, moreover, made a great
effort, for she was anxious to help Joe as much as possible in her
difficulties.


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