Part 58 (2/2)
”I'm only a clerk in a boot factory.”
”You needn't rub it in. No, I was thinking how people in Melkbridge would talk if they saw you with me or any other chap.”
”People aren't quite so bad as that,” she urged.
”No woman would ever forgive you for your looks.”
”Well, goodbye; thank you for saving Jill's life, and thank you for a very happy day.”
”Rot! It's I who should be thankful. You've taken me out of myself.”
Neither of them made any move. Mavis caught hold of Jill and held her towards Perigal as she said:
”Thank him for saving your life, you ungrateful girl.”
Jill growled at Perigal even more angrily than before.
”Oh, you naughty Jill!” cried Mavis.
”Not a bit of it; she's cleverer than you; she's a reader of character,” said Perigal.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
THE MOON G.o.dDESS
”Do you know anything of Mr. Charlie Perigal?” asked Mavis of Miss Toombs and Miss Hunter the following day, as they were sipping their afternoon tea.
”Why?” asked Miss Hunter.
”I met him yesterday,” replied Mavis.
”Do you mean that you were introduced to him?” asked Miss Hunter calmly.
”There was no occasion. I knew him when I was a girl.”
”I can't say I knew him when I was a girl,” retorted Miss Hunter. ”But I know this much: he never goes to church.”
”What of that?” snapped Miss Toombs.
Miss Hunter looked at the eldest present, astonished.
”Is that you talking?” she asked.
”Why, what did I say?”
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