Page:The Breath of Scandal (1922).djvu/46

 go, and to see you safe home again, my dear. I'll take the elevated into the city."

"At least, you'll have Leonard run you to the elevated," his wife persisted.

"Very well."

Mrs. Hale told the butler to instruct the chauffeur to be ready to take Mr. Hale to the elevated train for Chicago, before driving her to the club; a few minutes later, they all arose, and after Mrs. Hale and the girls had left the dining room, Mr. Hale excused himself from the men and went upstairs. Gregg delayed uneasily and then, abruptly leaving Billy and the other two, he went up to a guest room which was open and lit for the use of the men. He was conscious of calling this an attempt to see Mr. Hale privately, though he could not help hoping that he would find no opportunity for words alone with his host. But in a few minutes, Mr. Hale passed the door and saw Gregg, and entered.

He had changed from his evening clothes to a sack suit and he had reverted, also, to his business manner of alert, practical speech.

"Gregg, Billy's told Marjorie and she's mentioned to me that Hartford's making you an offer. Come around and see me before you talk finally to him, will you?"

"Thanks; I'll be glad to," Gregg accepted, flushing; and then, forcing himself on, "You're going to St. Louis to-night?"

He did not mean to make it a challenge; but something of his doubt of the fact of the trip got into his tone.

"Why are you asking?" Mr. Hale said more coldly.