Sondra was at once intrigued andcheckmated by the
simplicity of his retort.
This in itself was important, not only to Sondra
and Jill, but toall the others. There isntanything I like as much, really. He had,
as she hadalways thought, the look of a tired and defeated man. She smiled and Clyde
felt as though he werechoking. His relatives are so very rich, you know. He
wasalways talking about Sondra Finchley, Bertine Cranston and
JillTrumbull.
My two little presents wont seem like very much
now. And yet he was almostafraid to venture another compliment. I always look for
your name in the papers.
His eyelids narrowed and his eyes lit with a
blazingdesire which was quite disturbing to see.
If only she had not given herself to him, yielded
so easilyand so soon upon his demand.
And you say them just as though you meantthem. You
see myfather and mother are funny people.
Im glad I got the chance to bring this around to
you, though, headded, handing the gift to her. Do you suppose if I come back early
Christmas afternoon, you willcome over here at all?
Of course he would have to concoct some
excuse.
Yes, I will right away, said Clyde, but is two all
I get withyou?
And because ofthis he felt really sorry for her.
After all hehad known before that she was to be gone for three days.
It was amazinghow another girl could divert him in
this way.
But you know I arranged some time ago to go over to
Albanyand then up to Saratoga for the holidays. Clydes hair-roots tingled
anticipatorily.
It might be disloyal, cruel, treacherous to
Roberta, butwas he not likely to meet Sondra? Did you have a good time last night,
dear?
She had been about to say me, but had changed it to
us.
But you know I arranged some time ago to go over to
Albanyand then up to Saratoga for the holidays.
And she might ask questionsin regard to him and
herself which might prove embarrassing. She returned to her bench, her face showing
all theunhappiness that had suddenly overtaken her.
Sondra was at once intrigued andcheckmated by the
simplicity of his retort. And at once Clyde accepted, and with delight, since
itwould bring him in contact with her again. It might be disloyal, cruel,
treacherous to Roberta, butwas he not likely to meet Sondra?
He wasalways talking about Sondra Finchley, Bertine
Cranston and JillTrumbull. Im going to-morrow, butIll be back before New Years. I
meant to bring it around lastnight only that other business came up.