Page:Our Little Girl (1923).pdf/141

 sloppy, conceited, rather vulgar young man. At least, he would be vulgar if you let him. He had made no par- = ticular impression on her emotions. And yet today—he seemed to have something that she liked, something-

It was the something that she missed in Arnold. Arnold never quite commanded a situation, and she liked to have aman command a situation. Tommy, in his official ca- pacity, showed amazing executive powers. Had she mis- judged him? Or why was it that she was able to subdue his none too violent attempts to make love to her? Did he treat Miss Weatherby in this fashion? And the pretty little dark girl in the outer office? Of course, in a busi- ness way, he would meet many attractive women. Had they diverted him from her? Was she growing jealous about a man for whom she had had something resembling an aversion? Perhaps it was the presence of her mother that had led him to treat her so casually. Perhaps he was trying to forget. That was a pleasing thought.

Yet why should she consider Tommy so seriously now?

“Watch out when you cross the street!”

Her mother spoke sharply.

“What are you dreaming about, Dorothy? Even if you see yourself as a famous singer, don’t forget you're crossing the street.”

The voice softened.

“At that, I don’t blame you. I wish I were young and looking forward to what you’re looking forward to.”

“What did you say, mother?"