Page:The Breath of Scandal (1922).djvu/169

 She got upon her feet and led him to the door, and, obeying her in fright that, if he did not, she would be stricken again, he went.

She lay on the lounge for a while after he had departed but soon ascended to her room; she had bathed her face and arranged her hair and changed her dress before her mother entered the house and came to her.

"Where is Billy, dear?" she asked. "Martin tells me he has been here and has gone."

"Yes," said Marjorie. "We had a quarrel, I'm afraid."

Her mother kissed her. "People in love have little difficulties, dear. They'll smooth out, you'll find. I've good news to-night. Your father is so much stronger that he can come home to-morrow."

Marjorie started.

"Why, what's the matter, Marjorie."

"Nothing, mother. I was wondering if it was perfectly safe; that's all."