Marion Marlowe's Disappearance, or, Almost a Crime — page 17: what you’re looking at

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CHAPTER VIII. AT DELMONICQO’S. In spite of his aversion to the “old duffers” and “rosebuds,” Bert took Marion to Del- ~ monico’s, and he could not help smiling with pride as he saw the glances of admiration that were bestowed upon his lovely compan- ion. ‘There was many an admiring glance : cast upon ‘his own handsome face as well, but . om Bert was far too modest to notice these ; he a, was only too glad to see that his compan- | 4 jon’s beauty was properly appreciateds "The young girl was dressed simply in creamy white, but the gown was tasteful and ec! rich and fitted her superb figure perfectly, 4 while the flowers at her belt were far more oa becoming than the costliest jewel. ‘Her rich chestnut hair rippled charmingly © over her white neck and forehead, and her 4 4 eyes shone like stars from under the low hat 4 Bert bowed here and there as he led her to 3 table, for, just as he expected, he saw sev- eral of his foster-father’s acquaintances. ‘Marion bowed, too, when she saw Howard Everett sitting at a table with his sister, Flo, and her husband. . ’ * .?_ +, ~~ a ® . ' + - , ( - + rs a “Everett looked glum when he first saw you,” said Bert, softly, as they took their seats at a table. “He thought you were out with a worthy rival, but he seemed pleased when he found it was only little me! As if I couldn’t grow as big as he is, Marion!” “You are nearly as big already,” said the young girl, laughing. “Still, I don't really think he looks upon you as a rival.” “That’s a good joke on him, then,” said Bert, very coolly; “for I’m in the field for - fair, Marion, and I’d win hands down if I didn’t have to go to college.” : ~Oh, Bert! Your audacity is splendid!” laughed Marion. ‘Why, it looks as if a girl -was to, have no say with you at all! You e : ‘ ; 7. * >” es MY QUEEN. brim of white tulle which was appropriately blended with a wreath of simple field datsies. the boy, quickly. 15 would just take her by storm without word or argument.” | } “That’s the only way to get ‘em, nowa~ days,” said Bert, promptly. “The minute you begin to beg they begin to play off! Oh, I know lots about girls! I’m almost a grad- uate!” é “Well, there is a couple at the next table who would like to know something about cautiously. you,” Marion, “They've been staring at me for five minutes whispered and they are fast growing green with envy.” Bert turned his head just enough to get a glimpse of them, and in an instant both girls craned their necks and took great pains to bow to him. - Bert bowed like a Chesterfield and smiled like a cherub. The two girls were accom- panied by a chaperon, but she smiled, if anything, more sweetly than they did. “Two of the richest girls in our set,” said Bert, under his breath. “Aren’t they cun-_ ning and sweet and so—so modest, Marion?” Marion smiled a little at Bert’s description. The girls were brazen and ill-bred—she could not blame him for the sarcasm. “IT fancy they haven’t been well brought up,” said Marion, soberly. ‘They look like nice girls, only they are a little foolish!” “Well, they are a fair sample of those I have met so far,” said Bert, quickly; ‘‘so is it any wonder that I still stick to you, Mar- ion?” “Are they rich—those girls?’ asked Mar- ion, after a minute. | “Loads of money,” was the prompt re- sponse; “but Pop Canfield has more. That’s where the shoe pinches. I ain’t such a loon that I can’t see through them, Marion.” “Then you don’t think it is your handsome face and winning ways, Bert?” asked the young girl, teasingly. “Do I look like a jibbering idiot?” asked “Well, I’d have to be that cComicboOoks.com