`` Yes , '' I answered curtly , `` he is poor , in everything except youth and manhood and goodness and truth ! But I suppose those do n't count for anything . '' Whereupon Alicia lifted her eyebrows and looked me over . Just at dusk a box arrived with Jack 's compliments . It was full of lovely white carnations , and must have cost the extravagant fellow more than he has any business to waste on flowers . I was beast enough to put them on when I went down to listen to another man 's love-making . This evening I sparkled and scintillated with unusual brilliancy , for Jack 's visit and my consequent crossing of swords with Alicia had produced a certain elation of spirits . When Gus Sinclair was leaving he asked if he might see me alone tomorrow afternoon . I knew what that meant , and a cold shiver went up and down my backbone . But I looked down at him -- spick-and-span and glossy -- his neckties are never crooked -- and said , yes , he might come at three o'clock . Alicia had noticed our aside -- when did anything ever escape her ? -- and when he was gone she asked , significantly , what secret he had been telling me . `` He wants to see me alone tomorrow afternoon . I suppose you know what that means , Alicia ? '' `` Ah , '' purred Alicia , `` I congratulate you , my dear . '' `` Are n't your congratulations a little premature ? '' I asked coldly . `` I have n't accepted him yet . '' `` But you will ? '' `` Oh , certainly .
Is n't it what we 've schemed and angled XXXXX ?
Jack at brilliancy for if of on than to with