Part 39 (1/2)
”Really, Mr. Hunter,” said that young lady, ”you look quite dazzling this evening. How many hearts do you expect to break this evening?”
”I'm not in that line of business,” said d.i.c.k. ”I leave all that to you.”
”You're too bad, really, Mr. Hunter,” said Miss Peyton, highly pleased, nevertheless. ”I never think of such a thing.”
”I suppose I must believe you,” said d.i.c.k, ”but why is it that Mr.
Clifton has looked so sad lately?”
”Mr. Clifton would not think of poor me,” said Miss Peyton.
”If you only knew what he said about you the other day.”
”Do tell me.”
”I couldn't.”
”If you will, I'll give you--”
”Thank you,” interrupted d.i.c.k, gravely; ”but I never accept kisses from ladies over six years old.”
”How can you say so, Mr. Hunter?”
”I'm sorry to disappoint you, Miss Peyton, but I really couldn't.”
”As if I ever thought of such a thing!” said Miss Peyton, in affected horror.
”I appeal to my friend Fosd.i.c.k.”
”Did I say so, Mr. Fosd.i.c.k?”
Fosd.i.c.k smiled.
”You mustn't appeal to me, Miss Peyton. You and Mr. Hunter are so brilliant that I don't pretend to understand you.”
”Then you won't tell me what Mr. Clifton said. It is too bad. I shan't sleep to-night for thinking of it.”
”Suppose you ask Mr. Clifton.”
”I don't know but I will.”
Miss Peyton went into the parlor, her heart fluttering with the thought that she had made a conquest of the gentleman referred to. As Mr.
Clifton was a clerk on a small salary, continually in debt, and with no expectations, he could not be considered a very brilliant match; but Miss Peyton was not very particular, and she would have readily changed her name to Clifton if the chance should present itself. As we may not have occasion to refer to her again, it may be as well to state that Mr.
Clifton's pecuniary affairs came to a crisis some months afterwards. He had always been in the habit of laughing at Miss Peyton; but in his strait he recollected that she was mistress of a few thousand dollars over which she had absolute control. Under these circ.u.mstances he decided to sacrifice himself. He accordingly offered his heart and hand, and was promptly accepted. Miss Peyton informed him that he was ”the object of her heart's tenderest affection, her first and only love.” Mr.
Clifton expressed no doubt of this, though he was aware that Miss Peyton had been laying her snares for a husband for nearly ten years.
The marriage took place at the boarding-house, d.i.c.k and Fosd.i.c.k being among the invited guests.