“Positively. It is breaking her habits of years, and it will be a great expense. She is making lavish preparations,” declared Grimshaw severely.
“Well, don’t blame me for it, Leonard,” said the young woman, reverting to the appealing manner. “It was Hughie’s idea.”
“For pity’s sake don’t call him ‘Hughie’!” exclaimed the other irritably. “It makes me sick. You’re so crazy about him, anyway.”
Adèle smiled up at her companion. “How delightful! I do believe you’re jealous, Leonard. I’m complimented to death.”
“You have far more reason to be jealous,” he retorted. “Anybody with half an eye can see that Stanwood is fascinated with Millicent’s demure ways. ‘In the spring a young man’s fancy,’ etc., you know, and these walks with her every day—”
“He has to go to her grandfather,” broke in Adèle, a frown gathering and quenching the light in her eyes. “He cares nothing for that stupid creature except to tease her.”
“And you should care nothing for him, Adèle,” said Grimshaw quickly. “He is a crude boy without a cent, just beginning life. Why waste your time? You are meat for his masters.”
She lifted her head coquettishly, the frown disappearing. “Are you his master?”
“Perhaps,” said Grimshaw.