"And it will be just the same with Patricia Vincent," was the outcome of this soliloquy. "The moment Pen guesses that I like her, she'll step in and oust me. I know she will."
[CHAPTER III]
ROBERT
WITH a creak, the door was cautiously opened. Somebody put in his head.
"All alone, Magda!"
Depression vanished, and the transformation in Magda's face was like an instantaneous leap from November to June. In a moment her eyes were alight, her limbs alert.
"Rob!" she cried.
"Well, old girl! How are you?"
"You dear old fellow—I am glad."
The new-comer was about her own height, which though fairly tall for a girl could not be so counted for a man. He was slim in make, like Pen; also, like Pen, scrupulously neat in dress. Her eager welcome met with a quiet kiss; after which he seated himself; and his eyes travelled over her, with a rather dubious expression.