Part 34 (1/2)
”Yes,” was her answer.
”Well, it was partly on that account,” and Tom turned the conversation away from what he considered a dangerous subject.
If Langridge cherished any ill will toward Tom for taking away Miss Tyler the 'varsity pitcher did not show it. But Tom noticed that he was not far from the girl's side the remainder of the evening.
”I wonder if she doesn't believe what I told her about him,” thought Tom. ”Well, I'm not going to say anything more. Let her find out for herself. Only--well, what's the use?” and he went to claim another dance elsewhere.
It was the last waltz. Around the brilliant, gaily decorated room swung the dancers to the strains of the enthralling music. Langridge skilfully led Miss Tyler in and out among the maze of couples. The music turned into another melody.
”I think this is about half,” she said.
”About half? What do you mean?”
”Well, you were so greedy,” she explained, laughter in her eyes, ”that I had to punish you. I gave half this last dance to--to the dominie,” and her lips parted in a smile.
”Well, I like that!” spluttered Langridge, but just then Tom, who had been summoned from the ”side lines” by a signal from Miss Tyler, came to claim her.
”I like your nerve, Parsons!” snapped Langridge, glad to be able to transfer his wrath to a foeman more worthy of it.
”It was my doing, Mr. Langridge,” said the girl with some dignity.
”You had no right----” began the 'varsity pitcher.
”I fancy Miss Tyler is the best judge of that,” spoke Tom coolly as he took the girl's hand.
”Is she?” sneered Langridge. ”Maybe she knows who brought her to this affair then! If she does, she can find some one else to take her away,”
and he swung off.
For an instant Miss Tyler stood looking at him. The dancers whirled around the couple standing there and the music sounded sweetly. There was the suspicion of tears in her eyes.
”He had no right to say that!” she burst out.
”Indeed, no,” agreed Tom. ”But, since he has, may I have the honor of being your escort?”
”Yes,” she said, and then, with a revulsion of feeling, she added, ”Oh, Tom, I don't feel like dancing now. Take me home, please!”
CHAPTER XXIV
DRESS SUITS COME HIGH
So after all, Tom did not get the last half of the last waltz with Miss Tyler. He did not much care, however, for, as matters turned out, he had a longer time in her company. The girl soon recovered her usual spirits and the walk to where she was stopping with relatives in Haddonfield seemed all too short to Tom.
”Will you be at the game Sat.u.r.day?” he asked as they were about to part.
”What game?”
”Over at Fairview. Our team is going to try and run up a big score against them.”