Noreen laughed, amused at the frankness of the statement.
"And where is the redoubtable Captain Bain, dear?"
"You'll see him soon. I let him off today until it's time for him to call to take us to the Amusement Club. He was anxious to see you. He wanted to come with me to the station, but I said he'd only be in the way. I knew Miguel would be much more useful in getting your luggage. Bertie's so slow. Still, he's rather a dear. Remember, he's my property. You mustn't poach."
Noreen laughed again and said:
"If he admires you, dear, I'm sure no one could take him from you."
"My dear girl, you never can trust any man," said her friend seriously. Then, glancing at herself in the mirror, she continued modestly:
"I know I'm not bad-looking, and lots of men do admire me. Bertie says I'm a ripper."
She certainly was decidedly pretty, though of a type of beauty that would fade early. Vain and empty-headed, she was, nevertheless, popular with the class of men who are content with a shallow, silly woman with whom it is easy to flirt. They described her as "good fun and not a bit strait-laced." Noreen knew nothing of this side of her friend, for she had not seen her since her marriage, and honestly thought her beautiful and fascinating.
Ida picked up her hat and parasol and said:
"Now I'll leave you to get straight, darling child, and come back to you later on."