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 for ? I 'm very well satisfied . '' And so I am . But I wish it had n't come so soon after Jack 's visit , because I feel rather upset yet . Of course I like Gus Sinclair very much , and I am sure I shall be very fond of him . Well , I must go to bed now and get my beauty sleep .
I do n't want to be haggard and hollow-eyed XXXXX that important interview tomorrow -- an interview that will decide my destiny .
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