Fordyce eyed his son in astonishment. “What are you driving at?” he demanded brusquely. “I’m not in the habit of questioning anything you and Janet give me.”
“Some of that money is missing,” stated Duncan.
“What?” Fordyce’s smile vanished, and his eyes darkened.
“I borrowed forty dollars,” added Duncan tranquilly. “Here’s my check for the amount,” taking it up from the table. “I needed the ready money, so”—smiling whimsically, “helped myself.”
CHAPTER IX
GAY DECEIVERS
Mrs. Calhoun-Cooper contemplated her daughter with distinct admiration, albeit mixed with some alarm.
“My dear Pauline,” she said, lowering her lorgnette. “I have seldom seen you look so well, but—eh—don’t you think your gown is a trifle too—too pronounced?”
“Of course it isn’t.” Pauline revolved slowly, the better to show the expensive Paquin model which she was wearing. “Nothing is extreme these days; I mean everything is extreme.”
“Hello, why the beauty show?” demanded Joe from the doorway of the library.
“Joseph! You are not in evening clothes!” wailed his mother. “And Pauline is waiting for you to take her to the Walbridge dance.”