Page:The Breath of Scandal (1922).djvu/63



ARJORIE already had obtained her cloak and had put it on and also had her carriage boots over her slippers when Billy found her at the end of the empty room where Gregg had left her. Billy had put on his overcoat and was carrying his hat, which he thrust on his head as he came to Marjorie, so he could give her both his hands.

"Gregg's told you," Marjorie said quietly, but her hands were quivering as he seized them and attempted vainly to reassure her.

"Yes." Billy released her hands and suddenly enfolded her in his big arms, drawing her against him. "Oh, Marjorie!" he whispered.

"Father will be all right, Billy!" she gasped, tears blurring her eyes. "We'll not lose him. Did Gregg tell you the telephone number?"

"No. He's gone to get his car. He'll take us right there, Marjorie."

"That's best, of course," Marjorie accepted, releasing herself from him. "Gregg must be ready now, Billy."

She started abruptly for the door and he followed, confused a little as people now were pouring down the stairs and seeing them. But Marjorie paid no attention to them, and Billy overtook her just as a boy drew back the door to the carriage steps, outside which Gregg's car stood.

Marjorie looked about, saw Billy behind her and,