Page:Our Little Girl (1923).pdf/147

 around as soon as you can. By the way, meet Mr. Deer- ing. He’s not, Miss Reitz’s husband.”

Dorothy looked uncomfortable. Tommy was too fresh. Arnold bowed to Miss Gray. Tommy handed the remaining pictures to Dorothy.

“Try these on your piano,” he suggested.

“I always liked this one,” demurred Dorothy, pointing out a view of herself reflected in a mirror.

“I don’t doubt it,” retorted Tommy, “only, you'll find it difficult to impress editors with it. They simply have no taste!”

Miss Gray laughed. The laugh irritated Dorothy. It was a verdict for Tommy as against her.

“Miss Gray knows,’ added Tommy. “Miss Gray— tell Mr. Deering what Mr. Eaton or Mr. Johnston or Mr. Torrey would say about that picture.”

He held it up and smiled pityingly.

“So much for pictures,” continued Tommy. “Let’s see the program.”

“I thought Mr. Harper wanted to see it.”

“He will—after we get through with it.”

He inspected the blue sheet with a quizzical grin.

“Well, it’s your recital,” he murmured, a little unpleasantly.

“Isn’t it all right?” asked Dorothy anxiously. “I made it up with Madame Graaberg.”

Tommy tossed it to Miss Gray.

“If you think the same as I do,” he said, “don’t say anything.”

Miss Gray returned it.

“I think the same as you do,” she remarked pleasantly. “But it’s a perfectly safe program.”

“Took here, Dot,’ said Tommy abruptly. “Are you coaching for this recital?”