“How should I? And what difference would it make any way? As for being impressed, he gave me the impression of a very badly spoiled boy out trying to have his own way, and making a great fuss because he couldn't get it.”
“And you didn't know that his father is William J. Shafton, the multi-millionaire?” Opal brought the words out like little sharp points that seemed to glitter affluently as she spoke them.
“No,” said Marilyn, “I didn't know. But it doesn't matter. We hadn't anything better to offer him than we've given, and I don't know why I should have been impressed by that. A man is what he is, isn't he? Not what his father is. He isn't your—brother—is he? I was over at the church when you arrived and didn't hear the introductions. I didn't even get your name.”
Opal laughed uproariously as if the subject were overwhelmingly amusing:
“No,” she said recovering, “I'm just Opal. Fire Opal they call me sometimes, and Opalescence. That's Laurie's name for me, although lately he's taken to calling me Effervescence. No, he's not my brother little Simple Lady, he's just one of my friends. Now don't look shocked. I'm a naughty married lady run off on a spree for a little fun.” Marilyn regarded her thoughtfully:
“Now stop looking at me with those solemn eyes! Tell me what you were thinking about me! I'd lots rather hear it. It would be something original, I'm sure. You're nothing if not original!”
“I was just wondering why,” said Marilyn still thoughtfully.
“Why what?”
“Why. Why you did it. Why you wanted to be that kind of a married woman when the real kind is so much more beautiful and satisfactory.”
“What do you know about it?” blazed Opal, “You've never been married, have you?”