They saw Lucy Ellen sitting alone before the fire , her arms folded on the table , and her head bowed on them . Her white cat sat unnoticed at the table beside her . Cecily gave a gasp of surrender . `` You 'd better come in , '' she said , harshly . `` 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 XXXXX a Cromwell !
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