Page:Dangerous Business (1927).pdf/154

 "Do you know anything?" Jay challenged her.

She knew, through Di, a good deal; she knew the sneers and jibes at Mr. Rountree for holding the Alban business through his church and prayer meeting association with his old friend. She would not tell that, but some of it showed in her eyes.

"I think," said Ellen, "Lew Alban was as unpleasant as he could be."

"He'll not bring father to his knees," denied Jay.

"The order—I've seen it—" said Ellen, "is cancelable on ten days notice. There's no way to figure our running without it . . . if it's not replaced."

"It'll be replaced."

"Yes," said Ellen, looking up at him and catching breath quickly. "Don't go to the stockroom. Learn the shapes, sizes, qualities, prices, of course; but they're mostly in a book. You can carry them in your pocket. Don't let him keep you in the stockroom."

"No," said Jay; and it was like a promise to her. Without either of them consciously approaching, they had drawn together so that they almost touched. Warm, clear color spread over her cheek: her forehead. What a fine forehead she had with her, hair parted near the pretty point of a widow's peak. What large, steady eyes lovely with thought.

"I'm married," suddenly he said to himself; and the next second, it startled him. Why, close to her, gazing down at her, disposing with her of himself, had he thought of that? Married! Why had it occurred to him? Because this girl, with her eyes so lovely with tenderness and thought, was become at this moment woman to him?