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Gissing, George, 1857-1903

"The Unclassed"


"Don't run away," he said. "You ought to know O'Gree in the flesh."
The teacher came into the room with a rush, and was much taken aback
at the sight of a stranger present. Perspiration was streaming
profusely from his face, which was aglow with some great
intelligence. After being introduced to Casti, he plunged down on a
chair, and mopped himself with his handkerchief, uttering
incoherencies about the state of the weather. Waymark made an effort
to bring about a general conversation, but failed; O'Gree was so
preoccupied that any remark addressed to him had to be repeated
before he understood it, and Julian was in no mood for making new
acquaintances. So, in a few minutes, the latter took his hat and
left, Waymark going with him to the door to speak a few words of
encouragement.
"The battle's won!" cried O'Gree, with much gesticulation, as soon
as Waymark returned. "The campaign's at an end!--I'm sorry if I've
driven your friend away, but I was bound to tell you."
"All right. Let me have a description of the manoeuvres."
"Look here, my boy," said O'Gree, with sudden solemnity, "you've
never been very willing to talk to me about her. Now, before I tell
you anything, I want to know this.


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