There was only one person besides themselves in the parlor just then, so for a minute the girls talked freely, but in low tones so as not to attract attention.
“But, sister, what are you doing here?” asked Marion, after a little. “I went to the office and could not find you, and the office boy told me you were lunching with your employer.”
“I wonder how he knew?” remarked Dollie, innocently. “Why, I came out five minutes before him and waited at the elevator. That boy is very impudent to be watching us,” she added.
“And your employer is very thoughtless to invite you out with him,” said Marion, stoutly. “A man of his age ought to know better, Dollie.”
“But he did not mean anything by it, Marion,” said Dollie, quickly. “Why, he is as nice as he can be, and he’s almost as old as father.”
“That is what I said; he is old enough to know better,” said Marion, grimly; “but here he comes, Dollie; I know him by your description.”
“Yes, here he comes,” repeated the fair-haired girl, gayly, “and I do so hope he has arranged everything satisfactorily. He is going to take me to a matinee, and I’ll make him take you, too. He won’t mind, I am sure, for he has plenty of money.”
Mr. Atherton looked surprised when he saw Dollie talking to a magnificent young woman, and he smiled more blandly than ever when the blushing girl introduced them.
“I am delighted to meet you, I am sure,” he said, with a gallant bow to Dollie’s sister.
“And I am delighted to meet you also, sir,” said Marion, coldly, “for it gives me an opportunity to tell you what I think of you!”