She had seen Clarence Rutherford sunning himself
expectantly on the steps.
"There's the man who sent her over, if you approve of it all so
highly," were her departing words to John. "I promise not to be
inhospitable to him!"
She waved her hand.
"Mr. Rutherford!" she called. "Come on down and go off somewhere
with me!"
Clarence unfolded himself with more haste than usual, and obliged.
"To the end of the world, Sorcerette, or any little place like
that," he said sweetly. "I have no car, alas, but I can telephone
for one."
"No, don't," said Joy, whose one idea was to get away. "Just go into
the house and bring me my cap and any wrap you can find."
She did not dare look back to John. She felt she was being
everything she oughtn't to, but she also felt that she had cause.
"Here's your hat," said Clarence, coming out with it, and refraining
from completing the quotation. "Where do you want to go? I have many
beautiful plans to offer you, principally about your being leading
lady in my comic opera. You are going to have to get an extension of
parole from the dear ones at home."
"Oh, do you really think I can act in it?" asked Joy happily as they
went down the leafy road together. She gave a little frisk as she spoke.
"Of course you can," said he. "As a matter of fact, that's my
principal reason for getting it up. I have a book that contains all
the Gilbert librettos in my most bulging pocket.
Pages:
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197