"We were
to have had a theater party with supper afterwards; but owing to Miss
Cameron's indisposition we did not go to the theater. But she insisted
on keeping the engagement for the supper, but changing it to here.
Besides herself and myself, there are to be only her uncle, her
cousin, and just one guest. That is why I am so certain, sir, she is
not expecting you."
"But you see," smiled Larry, "I am that one guest."
Miss Grierson shook her carefully coiffured transformation. "I've met
the guest who is coming, and I certainly have not met you."
"Then she must have asked two of us. Anyhow, I'll just speak to her,
and if I'm mistaken and de trop, I'll withdraw." And ere Miss Grierson
could even stir up an intention to intervene further, this well-
mannered young man had smiled his disarming smile and bowed to her and
had passed through the door, closing it behind him.
He halted, the knob in his hand. Maggie was standing sidewise to him,
holding a telephone in her hand, its receiver at her ear. She must
have supposed that it was Miss Grierson who had so quietly entered,
for she did not look around.
"Yes, I'm still waiting," she was saying impatiently. "Can't you ever
get that connection?"
Larry had seen Maggie only in the plain dark suit which she had worn
to her daily business of selling cigarettes at the Ritzmore; and once,
on the night of his return from Sing Sing, in that stage gypsy
costume, which though effective was cheap and impromptu and did not at
all lift her out of the environment of the Duchess's ancient and grimy
house.
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