Page:Stella Dallas, a novel (IA stelladallasnove00prou).pdf/239



found her mother propped up in bed.

"Well, of all things! Where have you been?" she exclaimed as Laurel came into the room.

"Didn't any one tell you?"

"Not till just about half an hour ago; then that Mrs. Grosvenor sent a bellboy up with a note, saying not to worry, you had lost something and had gone back to the island with her boy to hunt for it. What did you lose, Laurel?"

"My watch."

"Your watch! Why, don't you remember you said this morning you wouldn't wear it because it might get wet? There it is on the bureau!"

"Why, that is so."

"Gracious! What's the matter with you?"

"I must be losing my memory, I guess," smiled Laurel wanly.

She crossed the room and slipped the watch onto her wrist.

"Had a good time to-day?" Stella inquired.

"Wonderful."

"You must tell me about it. Every word! I'm crazy to hear."

"I will. How have you been, mother?"

"Where have I been, you better ask."

"Well, where have you been?"

"Downstairs!" she announced with a triumphant nod of her head.