"He can't!"
"He mustn't!"
"He wouldn't be mean enough to drop her just to spite us!" wailed
Marian.
"No," said Prue. "He won't do that. Ford isn't a butterfly. You must admit that he's as steadfast as a rock in his likes and dislikes. Once he gets a thing in that head of his———Well! I'm sure he's fond of Miss Grayling."
"But that big actor?" suggested Cecile.
"Surely," gasped Mrs. Tapp, "the girl cannot fancy such a person as that?"
"My! you should just see Judson Bane," sighed Cecile.
"He's the matinee girl's delight," drawled Marian. "Ford has the advantage, however, if he will take it. He's too modest."
Mrs. Tapp's face suddenly paled and she clasped a plump hand to her bosom. "Oh, girls!" she gasped.
"Now what, mother?" begged Prue.