Page:Girls of Central High on the Stage.djvu/42

32 "Were you tempted, sir? Perhaps I had better count my money, after all?"

"Ahem! ahem!" coughed the old gentleman. "Perhaps you don't know who I am? There is a vast difference between me—my condition, I mean—and the gal and her mother."

"Ah! Do you think so?" asked Mrs. Prentice, and then turned her back upon him. "I should like to know you better, my dear—and your mother. I hope you will show me that I am really forgiven by allowing me to call some dayOh! I couldn't face your mother now. I know just how I would feel myself if I had a daughter who had been accused as I accused you. I certainly need to take care—as our friend here says."

"I am sure mother would be pleased to meet you," stammered Jess.

"You know, I am Mrs. Prentice. My brother-in-law, Patrick Sarsfield Prentice, is editor and proprietor of the Centerport Courier."

Jess's interest was doubly aroused now. So this was the rich Mrs. Prentice, whom they said really backed Centerport's newest venture in the newspaper field?

"My mother has met Mr. Prentice—your brother-in-law," she said, diffidently. "You know, mother writes. She is Mary Morse."