The following Wednesday Marjorie repeated the story of Gertie’s visit to her, just as it had happened, reserving not the slightest detail, in order that her listener might judge for himself. To her relief, he expressed only amusement.
“I wouldn’t give it a thought, you conscientious little captain!” he said smilingly. “It was just Gertie’s way of getting back at Queenie—as she threatened her the other night.”
“Then you don’t think she really is seeing this young man every night in the week?”
“She may be; but you remember that she didn’t hesitate a single moment when Mr. Richards suggested a scout meeting for tonight?”
Marjorie had not thought of that before; it reassured her.
“Still, you know she admires Mr. Richards an awful lot,” she remarked.
“But would she, if, as Gertie suggests, she were planning to elope with the other man?”
“I guess you’re right, John—I’m convinced,” admitted Marjorie happily. “Then,” she continued after a moment, “you don’t think I would better do anything—plan to meet Sam, or something like that?”
“Oh, I think that’s a very good idea, just on general principles, though, and not because you take anything that Gertie said seriously. How would it do for me to entertain the couple with you for dinner some night?”
“At home, you mean?” faltered Marjorie. The combination of Queenie and Mrs. Hadley did not seem particularly good to her.