`` Lucy Ellen looks lonesome . '' Cromwell muttered sheepishly , `` I 'm afraid I would n't be company for her . Lucy Ellen does n't like me much -- '' `` Oh , does n't she ! '' said Cecily , bitterly . `` She likes you better than she likes me for all I 've -- but it 's no matter . It 's been all my fault -- she 'll explain . Tell her I said she could . Come in , I say . '' She caught the still reluctant Cromwell by the arm and fairly dragged him over the geranium beds and through the front door . She opened the sitting-room door and pushed him in . Lucy Ellen rose in amazement . Over Cromwell 's bald head loomed Cecily 's dark face , tragic and determined . `` Here 's your beau , Lucy Ellen , '' she said , `` and I give you back your promise . '' She shut the door upon the sudden illumination of Lucy Ellen 's face and went up-stairs with the tears rolling down her cheeks . `` It 's my turn to wish I was dead , '' she muttered . Then she laughed hysterically . `` That goose of a Cromwell ! How queer he did look standing there , frightened to death of Lucy Ellen . Poor little Lucy Ellen ! Well , I hope he 'll be good to her . ''
The Pursuit of the Ideal Freda 's snuggery was aglow XXXXX the rose-red splendour of an open fire which was triumphantly warding off the stealthy approaches of the dull grey autumn twilight .
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