“Perhaps I’m shabby, but I don’t mind very much,” she said. “Since I’m in town only for a day or two, I want to use every minute. I admit I like hotels and shops and fashionable crowds. All is interesting, and after Netherdale, one needs some stimulation. Then, you see, although Clara’s an art student, she’s not the modern sort. She paints seriously, and I don’t know much about pictures. Now I am in town I want to be excited and to feel I am alive.”
On the whole, Ledward thought she did not exaggerate. For a young, ambitious girl Netherdale was dull, and he knew Mrs. Haigh’s frugality. He sympathized with Evelyn and thought he could indulge her.
“I’ve got something like an inspiration,” he remarked. “Suppose you cut out your engagement with Miss Chisholm and we go to a theatre? I know a good musical comedy and perhaps the house is not full.”
“Oh,” said Evelyn, “it would be splendid! The drawback is, I’m afraid mother would not be pleased.”
Ledward had remarked Mrs. Haigh’s willingness for him to convey Evelyn to her friend’s studio. Moreover he thought a hint of intrigue attracted the girl.
“We might look up Miss Chisholm for a few minutes and perhaps take her with us,” he suggested carelessly. “Then, if our relations are some time at the Lomaxes and we don’t stay for the last act——”
“I ought to refuse,” said Evelyn, and then gave Ledward a smile. “Sometimes one does things one ought not. Let’s go!”
She went for her cloak. Ledward went to the telephone and ordered a cab.
CHAPTER XXIII
BLAKE’S CONFESSION
Evelyn went to the musical comedy and the excursion carried a thrill. She was young, and to steal off with Ledward was something of an adventure. Ledward knew Evelyn better than she imagined and he humored her cleverly. Although he declared her going was justified, he contrived to give the excursion a touch of intimate secrecy. Evelyn had inherited some skill for intrigue, and she rather liked to feel she and Harry were conspirators. In fact, she admitted that for all to know she went with him would rob the evening of its charm.