Argosy All-Story Weekly, February 23, 1924 — page 32: what you’re looking at

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

*s y pk i wy a ats fx? SP ay 2) RE ATA, TWP eA RAE DDN MAS Spat ry ee We el i’ ’ ie ght *' . f Be gine hich i RA ity Luh ii aa lh Gl rie 7 AP MIA Te 4 di Oa hs * ~ a x . 190 “Thanks. It’s nice to know that they are properly protected. But what I have said is the truth; and really, Mrs. Averill.” “My name is Miss Ray,” corrected Mar- ion, who had congealed into a frigid pa- tience which boded ill for the moment when she would speak her mind. “ Beg pardon—Miss Ray. Really, Miss Ray, I am amazed that you should take advantage of a man in my position. You wish me to give up all claim upon you; and I suppose I ought to see my attorney before I make any statement about it. But giving up all claim upon you is precisely what I do. The accident was due entirely to the fact that 1 was thinking of some- thing else at the time, and approached your driveway on the wrong side of the road. Your chauffeur reminded me of it in the most pointed manner. The crash was en tirely my own fault, and I hope you will be merciful about collecting for the dam- ages to your car.” In the silence that followed a coupling pin could have been heard to drop. The doctor emitted an exclamation of disgust. He was appalled at the presumption of a mere painter and mason who would practice noblesse oblige in the very homes of the wealthy. Marion exclaimed “ What?” in a very dramatic tone, and fell to eying the man with the narrow gaze of profoundest suspicion. He was deeper than she had ex- pected. Alicia threw up her head and spoke proudly. “We owe you an apdlogy,” she said to the victim. “I was sure you would behave as you have done. I am sorry, and I am grateful to you for your frankness.”’ Marion’s voice sounded like the drip of water upon tin, and her very pretty face might have been carved from ice, as she capped Alicia’s remark with her own. “ We will see that Mr. Averill’s lawyer attends to the matter,” she announced. “You may feel sure that you will be re- imbursed for any loss you may suffer if our chauffeur should prove to have been at “Yours very truly—” smiled Drayton. Marion frowned. “The car is outside,” she added. “ You may go home as soon as you want to.” ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY. Alicia flushed. This was too much. ‘““ Marion dear,” she spoke in a voice which was admirably composed and soft as silk, “I think that you are a little excited. I have asked Mr. Drayton to stay with us until he is better. He will take a spare room for a day or two.” Then turning coolly from her companion, she addressed the invalid. “I hope you will give us the pleasure of entertaining you here for a few days. You have been more than kind about this affair, and I couldn’t possibly let you go until I can feel sure you are quite re- covered. Let Brent carry any message you wish to your people.”’ “ That’s all very well, Alicia dear,” Mar- ion swiftly interposed before Drayton could speak, “ but Cowper tells me there are no arrangements for the spare rooms. We must wait till things are sent down from New York.” Alicia turned upon her very warmly. ‘“ Nonsense, dear!” she said shortly, and belied the endearment with a flashing re- proof from her sapphire eyes. “If you will wait here, Mr. Drayton, I shall see that a room is prepared for you immedi- ately.” He inclined his head. “ At your service, Miss Averill,” he smiled; and Alicia swept from the room. IV. MARION turned upon the guest with a shrewd and understanding smile. “That was very well done, Mr. Dray- ton,’ she said. ‘‘ You must think you’ve fallen into a free pass to the Ritz. ‘ This ticket admits holder to all concessions.’ Eh?” He smiled frankly up at her. “Tt does look pretty good to me,” he confessed. Marion turned to the doctor. ““ How is he?” she asked. The doctor gazed at the man with dis- taste and cold reproof. “Just a slight concussion,’ he pro- nounced. “ He'll be as good as ever in a few hours.” “Thank you. Good afternoon, doctor.” The doctor took his leave. Marion Gomichbooks (E@)