CHAPTER XIX
Esther unconsciously put out her hand and grasped June’s arm; she would have given anything had it been possible to run away. She saw Mrs. Ashton turn and look towards where they were standing, and in another moment she had crossed the lounge and was shaking hands with June.
“I was just inviting Mr. Mellowes to come and dine with us,” she said. “But he tells me he already has an engagement.” Her eyes smiled at June. “I suppose you are the engagement?” she submitted.
June laughed.
A string band was playing a ragtime tune when they entered the restaurant. To Esther’s unaccustomed eyes the room with its flowers and many lights was the most wonderful place she had ever seen. She kept close to Micky as he threaded his way through the small tables till he found their own, rather at the end of the room and away from the noisy band.
He put Esther into a comfortable chair and himself took her cloak.
“You don’t mind being left while I go back for June?” he asked hurriedly; “she seems to have got lost.”
Esther looked after him as he went quickly back down the length of the room. She liked him in evening dress. If only it had been Raymond instead!––she stifled a little sigh; she meant to enjoy herself this evening; she was not going to allow one single despondent thought.
June and Micky rejoined her almost at once.
“I thought some one had eloped with you,” June said laughingly. “Where did you get to? Micky, how hot this room is––I’m just stifling!”