“Here is the place! Now I have a confession to make. I have not been strictly true to you—to myself.”
“Been flirting elsewhere?”
“The truth is I inquired of a theatrical agency what company was in Macon on December 23d, the day I met you, and was informed it was ‘Naughty Marietta.’ That is all. Don’t think I am asking you a question. It makes no difference to me if you are Marietta herself or a chorus girl.” Billee gasped and after a swift glance to his solemn face laughed until her eyes swam in tears.
“You dear boy! No, I am not an actress, that is, professionally. I went to Jacksonville, since you want to know, as—can you stand a shock?”
“Don’t tell me. I don’t care to know.” She picked at a darned place in her glove.
“As the companion of an old lady. Are you very much disappointed?”
“Happy old lady!” said King fervently. “Disappointed? I have an intense admiration for the girl who earns her own living. But, Billee, why work?”
“Don’t! You have forgotten the fatal fact.”
“But there is no fact that can be fatal to us, unless—unless, you are already married!” She considered this a moment, her face very grave.
“And you think it possible that I might be married and at the same time willing to meet you this way? How could you love such a person?”