"We need a man for that, Thorny. There's an awful crowd."
"Not if we go early enough. They say it's going to be the closest YET. Come on!"
"Thorny, honest, I oughtn't to spend the money," Susan persisted.
"S'listen, Susan." Miss Thornton spoke very low, after a cautious glance about her. "Swear you won't breathe this!"
"Oh, honestly I won't!"
"Wait a minute. Is Elsie Kirk there?" asked Miss Thornton. Susan glanced down the office.
"Nope. She's upstairs, and Violet's in Brauer's office. What is it?"
"Well, say, listen. Last night--" began Miss Thornton, impressively, "Last night I and Min and Floss and Harold Clarke went into the Techau for supper, after the Orpheum show. Well, after we got seated--we had a table way at the back--I suddenly noticed Violet Kirk, sitting in one of those private alcoves, you know--?"
"For Heaven's sake!" said Susan, in proper horror.
"Yes. And champagne, if you please, all as bold as life! And all dressed up, Susan, I wish you could have seen her! Well. I couldn't see who she was with--"