“Sweetheart,â€� he joyfully hailed Madeline, “I’ve just bought the new car. It’s a beauty. And you’re going to be the very first person to ride in it—to consecrate it.â€�
“That’s darling of you!â€� replied Madeline in evident delight. “I’d rather ride in a wheelbarrow with you than in a Rolls-Royce with—with—â€�
“With Phil?� asked Karl almost savagely.
“With anybody,â€� she evaded. “Tell me more about the car. Is it—â€�
“I’m not going to tell you,â€� he refused. “I’m going to show it to you instead. Here’s my idea: I’ll knock off work at noon and bring the car uptown. I’ll meet you at the subway kiosk at half-after twelve; we can run up to the Arrowhead to lunch, and then on up to the Tumble Inn for—â€�
“But I can’t, dear—I can’t!â€� expostulated Madeline. “Don’t you remember? I told you I have to lunch with Phil and those people from Buffalo, at the Knickerbocker, at one o’clock. Oh, dear! I wish I didn’t have to. But I—â€�
“Phone him you’re sick,� urged Karl. “I’ve set my heart on christening the new car this way.�
“I could get away to-morrow—â€� she began.
“But I can’t,â€� he said. “I’ve a directors’ meeting at three. Oh, come along to-day, Beautiful! Tell Phil you’re sick and—â€�
“And have him come rushing up here, in a fidget, for fear I’m going to die?â€� she suggested. “That is just what Phil would do. No, dear, I—â€�