But in the morning he found it impossible to maintain a critical attitude in Cherry's presence. She had finished her breakfast when he called, and was awaiting him, clad in a brown velvet suit which set off her trim figure with all the effectiveness of skilful tailoring. Brown boots and gloves to match, with a dainty turban in which lay the golden gleam of a pheasant's plumage, completed the picture. She was as perfect to the eye as the morning itself.
"Well, did Hilliard expose the hidden mysteries of the banking system?" he questioned, as they walked down toward the water front.
"He did. It is no mystery at all now."
"Then it was that newspaper story that frightened him."
"Indirectly, perhaps. He didn't mention it."
"What did he say?"
"Nothing."
"Nothing! Then how—?",
"He informed me that you are in love with the society girl and not with the actress. He said you are engaged to marry Miss Wayland."
"Yes. But what did he say about the loan?"