Page:Frank Owen - Woman Without Love (1949 reprint).djvu/27

 "Don't be jealous."

"I couldn't be. I'd rather marry a baboon than you."

"Stop quarreling," requested Hattie, "because I want you to come along with us as a witness. Just wait a few minutes till I change my dress."

While Hattie was upstairs, Don Raymond made love to Louella. She permitted his kisses good-naturedly until Hattie returned.

"I've got a horse and rig outside," said he, "so we can ride through the streets in style."

"Why didn't you bring the horse in?" asked Louella.

"He doesn't like to visit folks he doesn't know. Say, why not make it a double wedding?"

"Perhaps I would," said Louella, "if there was anybody kissable around."

"How about the horse?" asked Don dryly.

"Then," said she, "your stable would be entirely empty. At that I think I'd rather him than you."

It was only a short distance to the minister's house but it was not too short for Don Raymond and Louella to quarrel all the way.

Hattie did not join in the conversation. As a matter of fact she paid no attention to it. She sat softly weeping.

"I always cry at my weddings," she explained when Louella asked her what was the matter. "What would be the use of getting married if you couldn't have a good cry?"

Half an hour later they were back at Hattie's house. Don Raymond strutted up and down the room as pompously as a peacock. He had a silly smile on his face.

"He looks as though he were going to lay an egg," said Louella.

During the following days Don made no effort to find a position. He loafed around all day, smoking cigarettes, reading newspapers, or drinking whiskey and soda. Gradually he became complete master of the house. Hattie even told Louella in the future to pay her room-rent to Don.

"He's my manager now," she said coyly.

"I see," commented Louella. "He isn't so dumb at that."