Page:To-morrow Morning (1927).pdf/273

 "Evelyn, Hartley Harrison's coming out to dinner, too."

"Oh, damn!"

"He came in to see me, and talked so much about how lonely he was. His little motherkin and his teeny-weeny infinitesimal grandmotherkin are off on a visit, so I"

"Oh, well, never mind! I don't care. Effa's here getting dinner. Your mother sent her. Did you ever hear of anything so angelic? And they're right in the middle of house cleaning, too. Effa and the asparagus came taxicabbing out together. Carrie was here, and she told Mrs. Green Ralph was coming and we didn't have anyone. Strong cocktails, Joey! Kiss me! Come on, Hope!"

Hartley's ladylike coupé followed Ralph's long olive-green car, and Hartley stood waiting, pretending to admire the first star above the pines, as Evelyn welcomed Ralph. She was startled by the pang that shot through her as he kissed her hand.

"You look like a branch of dewy lilac," he said.

"And see, I'm wearing your shawl! A subtle compliment."

"H'm! I hope I'm not intruding," said Hartley. Patience was all very well, but it had its limits.

"Mercy, no, Mr. Harrison! I need you to keep Joe occupied while Mr. Levinson and I whisper in a corner. Ralph, I'm not at all shy with you, but I am with your overwhelming chauffeur. What do we do with