In another moment Algy, seeing his opportunity, came over to take the vacated seat. But Dodo would not remain beside him, so she got up, excused herself, and joined Polly and Eleanor. Jack saw his chance for amusement, and he crossed the aisle to take Dodo’s vacant place.
The train had reached Colorado Springs, and the tourists had been interested in looking at Pike’s Peak and Manitou in the moonlight, so that only part of the Alexanders’ altercation had been heard by them.
Mrs. Alexander turned to Algy and simpered affectedly: “Oh, what sweet memories come back at sight of this delightful resort!”
Algernon, his slow brain seldom grasping any idea until others had forgotten what had been said, merely smiled vacantly at the speaker and nodded his head. Jack gazed in impatient astonishment at Mrs. Alexander, then he turned and stared at the simpleton.
“The wonderful motor trips, Mr. Baxter, and the stunning women—genuine fashion leaders from New York and abroad, they are—that are at the Springs,” sighed the lady, her mind dwelling upon the “fashion-plates” she had seen in the resort.
“Yes, I’ve heard that Colorado Springs is a great center to attract the salaried women of New York, Chicago, and European cities, who are paid to display toilettes which are expected to win favor with the ladies—in this way the fashions are made for you, just as they are done in France and England. I suppose you know that?” said Jack, innocently.
“I believe so,” murmured Mrs. Alexander, uncertain of what was the best reply to make.
“Yes, yes!” now came happily from Algy, as his expression denoted he had grasped some elusive joy. “Yes, dear lady, I can see you now, wearing one of those becoming costumes, about to motor with your wonderful child, to one of the famous points of interest.”
Jack had almost forgotten the exclamation Mrs. Alexander had made a short time before, and she had quite forgotten it, since she only spoke to show Jack that she was a member of the gay society at the Springs. Now, however, she frowned disapprovingly at Algy, thinking he was speaking of the parade of fashions for a fee. How could he think that!
Polly and Eleanor were sitting with Dodo just across the aisle, and the conversation of the three was plainly heard. They found much to do to keep from laughing merrily at Jack’s subtle teasing.