"Cherry! How can she help?"
"She can do anything she wants with him."
"What do you mean?"
"I may be a heavy autumn frost as a financier," the younger man remarked, "but when it comes to women I'm as wise as a wharf rat. I've been watching her work, and it's great; people have begun to talk about it. Every night it's a dinner and a theatre party. Every day, orchids and other extortionate bouquets, with jewel-boxes tied on with blue ribbons. His motor is at her disposal at all times, and she treats his chauffeur with open contempt. If that doesn't signify—"
"Nonsense!" exclaimed the other with disgust. "She is too nice a girl for that. You have misconstrued Hilliard's politeness."
Finding his worldly wisdom at issue, Clyde defended himself stoutly. "I tell you, he has gone off his blooming balance; I know the symptoms; leave it to old Doctor Clyde."
"You say other people have noticed it?"
"I do! Everybody in town except you and the news-dealer at the corner—he's blind."
Emerson rose from his chair, and began to pace about slowly. "If
Hilliard has turned that girl's head with his attentions, I'll—"
Clyde threw back his head and laughed in open derision. "Don't worry about her—he is the one to be pitied. She's taking him on a Seeing-Seattle trip of the most approved and expensive character."