“Well?” she asked.
“Quite, thank you.”
“I didn’t mean that. Is it love at first sight with you, too?”
“No chance for me,” laughed Joe. “Competition is too keen. Besides, Jack, I’ve been in love with you for years.”
“Nonsense!” she said, so sharply that he looked at her in surprise. “I waive my prior claim,” she added, with a laugh. “Confess, Joe! Isn’t she the prettiest girl you ever saw?”
“She seems to be a good deal of a peach,” Joe admitted. “Is she related to Hugh Garwood, the president of the O. & N. Railway?”
“Daughter,” said Jack briefly. “His only child.”
Joe grinned. “Which probably accounts for the obvious devotion of Mallane and Leadly.”
“Don’t be so cynical; it isn’t nice. She can’t help it, can she?”
“Of course not. I was speaking of the men.”