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 FLAMING

my best.

YOUTH

165

Now, as to practical details I’m afraid that the

Ritz would draw the line at champagne.”

“That’s a blow.” “But I bethink me that there’s a locker at a Country Club up toward the frozen north that I have entry to, if that isn’t too far.” “If you’d said Albany it wouldn’t be too far for me.” “What would be too far for you, Cissie?” She gave him her eyes, alight with gleams of mirth and appreciation. “Don’t let me stop you,” she laughed. “There are days when my brakes need re-lining. Let’s go 199

Throughout the drive, Cissie alternated between urging her companion to put more speed on the car, and light, slangy, clever, suggestive chatter about theatres, athletics, movies, and the sort of thing that fills the society columns of the daily newspapers. At the luncheon she drank two cocktails, half of the pint of champagne which was all that she would permit to be provided, and then declared herself fit for life again. ‘“What’ll we do now?” was her way of putting it. “What time do they expect you back?” “Five sharp. So, of course, I shan’t be there. I never am. Play golf, Mr. Scott?” “Just an average game, Miss Parmenter.”

“All right, Cary; PZ take you on for twenty on our

handicaps.” “You bet fairly high, don’t you?” “Yes; and what’s more, I pay up when I lose. If the bet isn’t good enough, just to make it more interesting, I'll throw in the odds of a kiss if you win. Do you know anyone here who’d loan me a pair of shoes?” That matter being arranged, Cissic, playing with cool precision, proceeded to beat him by three and one.