He had smiled at her as he passed out
of sight. What were Clarences and such small things? This was a
wonderful world.
She and Phyllis came down the stairs together as unobtrusively as
they could, so as not to betray to the rest that they were going.
She had forgotten about Gail.
But Gail was the first thing she saw--half-lying on a couch in a
dark corner of the hall, holding court with Laura Ward. There were
two or three men around them, and they were laughing and talking
together. Joy waved her hand as they passed, and Gail looked up from
her laughter.
"Farewell, my dears, until tomorrow! Good-by, Joy. It was a well-done
opera, even if I was sitting in the audience being fiendishly jealous....
Oh, I forgot to tell you that I have learned your dark secret, my child!
I think you're the most ingenious little wretch that ever lived. Till
tomorrow! I'm going to give a tea--be prepared!"
She looked at Laura Ward and laughed again.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
THE GIFT OF THE RING
Joy had no idea in the world how she got into the car. John's
guiding hand on her arm probably was all that saved her from
stumbling into the hedge, or trying to walk up a tree, she thought
afterwards. She was on the back seat, finally, with John by her. She
laid her head back with a little tired half-moan, and felt John's
strong, comforting arm drawing her over so that she could rest
against his shoulder.
"You poor little girl, you're all worn out," she heard him say
tenderly.
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