"Mary Wayne, you're mean! I think that's a nasty remark."
"Oh, well; I didn't mean it. But you'd better take my advice, just the same. I've seen much more of him than you have."
Nell sighed again.
"Now, my dear, I must be going back. They'll be sending out a general alarm for me, I suppose. I didn't ask anybody's permission to come, you see."
"There isn't much doubt Mr. Marshall will be alarmed," remarked Nell, who was not above seeking a legitimate revenge.
"You're in a rather silly mood this evening," said Mary. "Well, good-by. I'll send you some more money as soon as I'm paid again."
Nell looked gratefully at a small roll of bills that lay in her hand.
"You're awfully good to me," she murmured. "Good-by. And if you see——"
But Mary ran down the steps, popped into the taxi and was driven off.
Pete Stearns aroused himself, crossed the street, and walked briskly in the direction of the boarding-house. He arrived in time to intercept Nell, who had risen to go in. She sat down again in sheer surprise, and Pete seated himself without invitation on the step below.