Page:The Breath of Scandal (1922).djvu/13



REGG MOWBRY, who had come home with nothing unusual on his mind, flung his new brown overcoat on a hook in the hall closet, tossed his hat after it, and was cheerfully whistling on his way to his room when the maid appeared from the rear hall and spoke to him shyly.

"Why, good evening," he replied in his pleasant way, halting. "Mr. Whittaker home yet?"

"No, sir; but he should be soon. He wanted early dinner to-night."

"Mail or telephone to-day, Dora?"

"I put two letters on your dresser. Mr. Hartford called; and Miss Hale telephoned for you from Evanston about five o'clock; she left her name and said to tell you. A young lady—I think Miss Hale again, Mr. Mowbry—called about ten minutes ago. She didn't say her name that time," the girl added.

"Thanks," Gregg said. "No message then?"

"Oh, yes, sir, a particular one. The first time she called, she said would you please be sure to telephone her when you came in."

"Thanks," he said, and half turned for her to pass him in the narrow hallway of the apartment; and she went forward to bestow the inconspicuous attentions