Part 29 (1/2)
”And I want you to help me.” It was Mrs. Franklyn-Haldene again. ”We shall reorganize the Woman's Auxiliary Republican Club, and we shall need you. It is princ.i.p.ally for that that I came over.”
”I take very little interest in anything outside my home,” replied Mrs. Bennington.
”Did you get that?” whispered John, as he drew back for a carom.
”But this is very important for the city's welfare,” pursued Mrs.
Franklyn-Haldene.
”I doubt it. So long as we do not vote--”
”That's just it. We can't vote, but we can get together and control the male vote in the family. That's something.”
John grinned at Warrington, who replied with a shrug.
”And they all call me the meddler!” he said.
”What's the matter with your staying on here a few days, d.i.c.k?”
”I should be nothing but a bother to you.”
”Rot! You can't stay alone over there.”
”I'll have to; I can't leave those poor old souls alone. They are broken-hearted. I sent her two hundred every month regularly, just for pin-money; and what do you think she did with it? h.o.a.rded it up and willed something like two thousand to Mary and her husband. I'm all in, d.i.c.k. But go on; I'll finish the game.”
”All right. But whenever you feel lonesome, come here or over to my house. There'll always be a spare room for you in either house.”
”It's mighty kind of you, John. My shot?” Warrington ran four and missed.
Voices again.
”I never believe what I hear, and only half of what I see.” That was Mrs. Jack speaking.
Murmurs. The billiard-b.a.l.l.s clicked sharply as John played for position.
”The stage doesn't appeal to you any more, then?” Mrs.
Franklyn-Haldene.
”Not in the least. It never did appeal to me. I am so far away from it now that I am losing the desire to witness plays.”
”And for whom will Mr. Warrington write his plays now?”
”The vacancy I made has long ago been filled. I was but one in a thousand to interpret his characters. There is always a lack of plays, but never of actors.”
”Excuse me for a moment.” It was Patty this time.
”Certainly, my dear.”
Warrington heard nothing more for several minutes.
”Is it true what I hear about Patty and that rich young Mr. Whiteland, of New York?”