Page:Barbour--Peggy in the rain.djvu/90

 name was Margaret," added Mrs. Ames with mild triumph.

"But she does give a reason, you see," said Gordon. "She as much as says that she doesn't need the money."

"That's not the real reason. She does need it. Mr. Lovering has made inquiries. I told you that. She simply suspects where the money comes from and won't have it. Well, I feel that I have done all I can, Gordon. Don't you think so? Or would you—persist?"

"In face of that purple throw-down?" laughed Gordon. "Well, hardly, mother. I think you've done your duty. By the way, you say the young lady is employed. What does she do?"

"What was it he said?" Mrs. Ames knitted her brow. "Oh, yes, she does something on a newspaper; writes, I think."

"Then perhaps her reason is the real one, Mums. I've heard that those newspaper women make very good money. Anyhow, I rather admire her pluck. Let's hope she won't regret it later."

"Hm." Gordon smiled discreetly. It sounded as though his mother rather hoped she would regret it. "I fancy she's a little—a little common,