Page:The Plutocrat (1927).pdf/412

 "No, thank you," she said. "I'll wait for you. Were you expecting to go out again to-night?"

"Me?" He laughed indulgently. "Why, where in the world would I" Unfortunately, in his fond amusement, he extended his hand as if to pat Mrs. Tinker upon the shoulder.

She drew back, visibly incensed. "Kindly keep your hand to yourself! What makes you so interested in patting people on the shoulder all of a sudden?"

Tinker looked shocked. "Why, dearie!" he said reproachfully. "Why, Hon! Why, what in the world—why, what's disturbed you? You haven't been worried about me, have you, just because some gentlemen invited me to go and eat some of this celebrated Arab"

Olivia uttered a half-choked outcry. "Papa! You" But when he turned inquiringly to her, she found herself unable to be more explicit.

Ogle had brought his hat with him when he came into the room; it was upon an ebony tabouret near by, and he took it up. "I think I'll say good-night," he said.

But Tinker caught his arm, genially detaining him.