It was their first great quarrel, and they were convinced that the world might as well come to an end.
CHAPTER XXVIII
THE WOMAN-HATER'S RELAPSE
The observation room was as lonely as a deserted battle-field and Marjorie as doleful as a wounded soldier left behind, and perishing of thirst, when the conductor came back with Snoozleums in his arms.
He regarded with contemptuous awe the petty cause of so great an event as the stopping of the Trans-American. He expected to see Marjorie receive the returned prodigal with wild rapture, but she didn't even smile when he said:
"Here's your powder-puff."
She just took Snoozleums on her lap, and, looking up with wet eyes and a sad smile, murmured:
"Thank you very much. You're the nicest conductor I ever met. If you ever want another position, I'll see that my father gets you one."
It was like offering the Kaiser a new job, but the conductor swallowed the insult and sought to repay it with irony.
"Thanks. And if you ever want to run this road for a couple of weeks, just let me know."
Marjorie nodded appreciatively and said: "I will. You're very kind."