'Oh, I'm going home by myself tonight--all
on my lonely-O.'
'That's me!' said Nora Purdy, using his own ejaculation.
The girls laughed shrilly.
'Me as well, Nora,' said John Thomas.
'Don't know what you mean,' said Laura.
'Yes, I'm toddling,' said he, rising and reaching for his overcoat.
'Nay,' said Polly. 'We're all here waiting for you.'
'We've got to be up in good time in the morning,' he said, in the
benevolent official manner.
They all laughed.
'Nay,' said Muriel. 'Don't leave us all lonely, John Thomas. Take one!'
'I'll take the lot, if you like,' he responded gallantly.
'That you won't either,' said Muriel, 'Two's company; seven's too much of
a good thing.'
'Nay--take one,' said Laura. 'Fair and square, all above board, and say
which.'
'Ay,' cried Annie, speaking for the first time. 'Pick, John Thomas; let's
hear thee.'
'Nay,' he said. 'I'm going home quiet tonight. Feeling good, for once.'
'Whereabouts?' said Annie. 'Take a good 'un, then. But tha's got to take
one of us!'
'Nay, how can I take one,' he said, laughing uneasily. 'I don't want to
make enemies.'
'You'd only make _one_' said Annie.
'The chosen _one_,' added Laura.
'Oh, my! Who said girls!' exclaimed John Thomas, again turning, as if to
escape. 'Well--good-night.'
'Nay, you've got to make your pick,' said Muriel. 'Turn your face to the
wall, and say which one touches you.
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