Page:Firecrackers a realistic novel.pdf/208

 conceptions, and they added to the zest with which he pursued this unamorous phantom.

Wintergreen, on her side, was beginning to feel the need of a guide and confidante. So far, Lottie had not appealed to her as a sufficiently sympathetic listener, but there was no one else, and at last, one day, Wintergreen was inspired to recount to her some of the attentions Paul had paid her, concluding with. He's going to marry me.

Lottie, reclining on the bed, abruptly sat upright. Paul Moody! she exclaimed. Has he said so?

Why, no man would ever go so far with a girl as he has gone with me unless he wanted to marry her, would he? He loves me.

In your hat and over your ear! Has he said so?

Why, I kissed him!

You poor heel, you, was Lottie's comment. I don't know where you get 'em, if any.

Get what?

Brains, kid, brains. The tall blond can't marry you even if he wants to. He's married.

Married? Why didn't you tell me before? Wintergreen began to wail.

Well, for one thing, nitwit, because you only just this minute loosened up on his name.

But he'll divorce her to marry me!

Ha!

He will. You'll see! The girl was defiant. She had even stopped crying.