Marjorie watched the approaching car with more than casual interest. A comprehensive glance at it had informed her as to the identity of the driver. A young woman was at the wheel, the car’s sole occupant. Marjorie did not miss seeing the peculiar expression which showed itself in the other’s face as she glanced at Leila’s car and prepared to keep strictly to the proper side of the narrow road.
Instead of starting down the low hill the other motorist stopped her car at the top of the little rise of ground and waited for Leila’s roadster to come up. As Leila’s car came abreast of her automobile she leaned out and cried: “Will you please stop your car? I’d like to speak to Miss Dean.”
“Has the world come to an end?” Leila muttered in Marjorie’s ear as she complied with the other girl’s request. “The Hob-goblin is no myth, as you can see for yourself, Beauty.”
CHAPTER XIX.
I’M SORRY
With Leila’s muttered comments in her ears Marjorie had hard work to keep a sober face and maintain an air of pleasant impersonality toward Leslie Cairns. She could think of no reason why Leslie Cairns should speak to her. She thought Leslie could hardly have guessed her identity since the Romp. Certainly on that night Leslie had not recognized her. The fact that she had amiably permitted Marjorie to conduct her to the door and freedom was sufficient proof in itself.
“Good afternoon, Miss Dean.” Leslie’s salutation was laconic. Marjorie thought she was looking particularly well in a sports suit and hat of bright brown English weave. Her irregular, dark features bore no trace of ill humor. Instead her face was singularly impassive.
“Good afternoon, Miss Cairns.” Marjorie’s clear brown eyes looked straight into Leslie’s small black ones. She could think of nothing to say. She therefore waited for Leslie to make the next advance in conversation.
“It’s about the other night, I’d like to speak to you,” Leslie declared with somber steadiness.
“Pardon me. I am willing to listen to whatever you may wish to say to me, Miss Cairns, but—I am with Miss Harper,” Marjorie reminded with candid courtesy.