Marion Marlowe's Disappearance, or, Almost a Crime — page 10: what you’re looking at

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

8 MY QUEEN. really arrived at the dignity of cards, and to think that he was only a Poor Farm lad. Now, where in the world did he get that ‘Canfield?’ ” : Suddenly it occurred to her where her old friend had found his name. . He had bor- rowed it-from the gentleman who had re- ‘cently adopted him. “I shall be glad, sq glad, to see Bert,” went on Marion, gayly. “You see, we were friends at home in the country, but since we came to New York, Bert has been adopted by a very rich man. Still, in every letter I get from him, he says he still loves me.” She was smiling merrily as if this was a huge joke, but Miss Ellis was quite serious when she finally answered: “Some boys are as honest in their love as men, Miss Marlowe! Perhaps ‘Bert’ does really love you and will want you to marry him. some day. You wouldn't turn him down because he was once on a Poor Farm, would your” : 7 said Marion, quickly, bs “On the contrary,’ “T admire Bert for that. Why, it is perfectly wonderful how that boy has come up. From a homeless, penniless orphan he is now the son of a wealthy family.” “ld like to know him,” said Miss Ellis, frankly; “but then, perhaps he’s so rich he would only laugh at an actress.” “Pert honors a good woman whatever her vocation,” said Marion, ¢almly. “I am only an actress myself, yet you can see that Bert is fond of me,” “Oh, but you are different! You are a ‘ 4 ‘ . s?T® star!” cried Miss Ellis, quickly. “Then you Seantitul and talented and everything else, Miss Marlowe. Every man would love you. You could have thousands of lovers.” “Goodness! I don’t want so matty as that,” said Marion,: laughing. “One at a time, please, and I could even do without one, although I am free to confess that honest affection is appreciated.” “Ed. Gordon loves you,” said Miss Ellis, shortly. “He’s been daffy over you ever since you came to the company.” . “T have no proof of that,” began Marion, calmly, but Miss Ellis interrupted her to finish her sentence: “And Mr. Temple is as crazy as a loon ‘Ever since he turned Lemadrid down, he has been over you,’ she said, complacently. at your feet, Miss Marlowe.” “That is not the place where I care to have aman,” said Marion, haughtily. “All women spurn what grovels at their feet. A man must be a man to win my admiration, Miss Ellis.” Her companion had just gone to the door in answer to a knock. “Here are some more flowers, Miss Mar- lowe,” she said, sweetly. “Some heliotropes and pinks in a beatiful vase, and, let me see, the name is Mr. Thomas Merton.” “Dear Mr. Merton! So he has not forgot- b | ten me,” said Marion, delightedly. Miss Ellis set the flowers down and stood staring at them, silently. “Mr. Merton and his sister are old friends of mine,” began Marion, softly; then, as she caught sight of her companion’s face, she stopped abruptly. “Dear me, what are you thinking of, Miss Ellis?” she asked, quickly. “LT was thinking that my words would Eomicbooks.c 4 pares bi