Marion Marlowe in Society, or, A Race for a Title — page 20: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

It was not often that his ears were treated to such plain language. What might have been an awkward mo- - ment was broken by the entrance of a serv- ant, bringing in a tray of leters. _ “Tnyitations by the dozen; just as I thought,” said Mrs. Stetson, quickly. The Rushlyns give a reception for the Duke to-night,” said Lord Curry, who had opened one of his letters. “That is rather a time to make arrangements, isn’t it, ae. Stetson?” Mrs. Stetson laughed in her eood- -natured wey | 7 - “Maude’s mother doesn’t intend to let the = _ grass grow under her feet, evidently,” was her answer. “The Duke himself will be to - blame if he doesn’t win her this season; they 7. are making it easy for him to rebuild his : 7 castle.” ‘Suddenly, Marion burst into a By of laughter. She had discovered that one of . ES the letters on the tray was for her, and while _ the others were busily reading she had opened it quietly. “Oh, Mrs. Stetson, I have a note from that 5 young Van Twiller!” she exclaimed, merrily ; and, what do you think he says: That I am a charming young person and he has a really decided to devote himself to me, al- _ though he knows that by so doing he will make all the other girls in our set fairly Beeee with envy at his showing such a preference.” “The dear soul—how sweet of him!” mur- _ mured Mrs. Stetson, sarcastically. - S - a .a Lord Curry spoke so sharply that both - ladies looked at him curiously. A moment _ later he excused. himself and went out of the = = room. % “You are doing splendidly, dear,” marked Mrs. Stetson, complacently. “Maude _ Rushlyn and Kitty Glenham are jealous al- ready, and I can almost see your coronet, Marion. _ on those chestnut tresses.” _ “And the Duke?” asked Marion, with a merry smile, “I fancy he will die early,” said Mrs. Stetson, calmly. “He looks consumptive, _ anyway, and then flattery is very sickening— < ae © MY QUEEN. z “Td like to flog him, the impudent puppy !” | re- Mark my words, it will look sweet: a7 a month or two more and he will be well worth considering.” “I’m glad you are not serious,” said Ma- rion, laughing; “but, oh, Mrs. Stetson, why isn’t Lord Curry a Duke? He’s so much nicer—and then, he’s almost handsome!” CHAPTER IX. AN UNEXPECTED CONFIDENCE. The reception at Mrs. Rushlyn’s was to be a very important function for Marion, but she did not dream of what the evening would bring forth when she arrived at the stately mansion. The Duke was already in the spacious par- lor, and when Marion first caught sight of him he was chatting sociably with Maude Rushlyn. The moment he saw Marion he came to her side, and it was with a great deal of diffi- culty that Maude Rushlyn concealed her anger, “The Duke seems genuinely smitten,” she murmured to Roy Glenltam, who was stand- ing near. “It is Mrs. Stetson’s doings, of course,” was the answer; “but I can’t quite under- stand why she is angling for them both. The Duke is enough without Lord Curry.” “Is he smitten, also?” asked Miss Rushlyn, . quickly. “Look at him.” Roy Glenham spoke briefly, but it was quite sufficient. A disagreeable frown rested upon the fair face for just a second, as she caught the look of admiration that Lord Curry was be- stowing upon Marion. “Come in here a minute, Roy,” she mur- mured, as she stepped toward the conserva- tory. “Every one is talking—they will not miss ts for just a second.” Roy Glenham followed her in among the stately palms and rich orchids, and the two faced each other for the space of a minute. “Who is that girl, anyway, Roy?” was the whispered question. “A country girl who has been an actress, if nothing more—not a fit associate for you, Maude,” was the eager answer. COnnicboooks (CO) im