“Ready in just a minute,” she said. “How did you get on with good old Ward?”
“He’s perfectly lovely! He’s the most interesting man I ever met!”
“That’s what they all say. Have any luck vamping him?”
“Of course not,” replied Grace, putting on her hat. “You couldn’t expect me to make a hit with a man like that. He’s too big and much too wise.”
“Oh, the wiser they are the harder they fall!” replied Irene carelessly. “It’s something that he didn’t leave you and go out for a walk all by his lonesome. That’s the way he treated a girl I wished on him once. Actually, my dear, walked out of the house and didn’t come back till Tommy and I were ready to go! But she got soused, the little fool. I guess I was lit up for a little while tonight and Tommy certainly was feeling his poison when Jerry put the wine away. He’s all right now. It hits him quick and then it’s all over.”
Jerry appeared to bow them ceremoniously into the car. On the way into town they talked only fitfully. When the men spoke it was to discuss the business that was calling them to St. Louis.
“I’m going to Minnie Lawton’s for the night, Grace,” said Irene. “You’d better stop there with me. It’s easier doing that than explaining things at home. There won’t be time for you to stop at Minnie’s to change your things.”
Grace had considered the possible embarrassment that might result from going home at midnight in the new gown. She meant to explain that she had changed before leaving the store and had gone home with Irene after the French lesson, and some of Irene’s friends had dropped in.
“Don’t take a chance of being scolded,” remarked Kemp. “You know your family and I suppose you have some leeway. I’d hate for you to get into trouble.”
“Oh, I’ll fix everything all right. It isn’t so awfully late. I’ll be home by twelve.”