Part 3 (2/2)
A porter carrying two large suit-cases, each covered with many foreign labels, crossed the veranda toward the waiting 'bus at the foot of the steps. Another man, evidently a valet, followed with more luggage, and then a tall, distinguished-looking man of uncertain age emerged from the hotel. He gazed curiously at Martha, but his eyes lighted up with recognition when they fell upon Clayton.
”h.e.l.lo, Clayton, what are you doing here?” he inquired loudly.
Clayton looked up with just a shadow of annoyance, but, with the well-bred air of a gentleman, rose and extended his hand.
”How are you, Gordon?” he said easily. ”I haven't seen you since the Compton breach of promise case.”
Gordon winced at the reminder, but gave utterance to a forced laugh.
”You toasted me to a turn that time,” he admitted. ”Do you know, Clayton, ever since you had me on the witness stand, I've been wanting to engage you to handle my own business.”
”Thank you,” replied Clayton, coldly. ”But I don't care for your kind of business.”
”What do you mean?”
”I prefer the kind where there is never a woman in the case.”
Gordon laughed again uneasily.
”I can't help it every time a girl takes me seriously. I offered to settle handsomely then, but like all these women, they think because I'm rich I am an easy mark. Now, if you'll see me in New York--maybe we can come to terms.”
”I fancy not,” replied Clayton, briefly.
Gordon's eyes, even during this brief conversation, had never left Martha, whose attention was given to her scarabs.
”Deuced pretty girl!” remarked Gordon, quietly, to Clayton. ”You might introduce me.”
”Are you leaving the hotel?”
”Yes--in a few minutes.”
”Then I've no objection. Miss Farnum, may I present Mr. Sanford Gordon, of New York?”
”Charmed to meet you, Miss Farnum,” cried Gordon, extending his hand as Martha merely bowed. ”Sorry I'm leaving the hotel just when I meet the only interesting person here.” Then, aside to Clayton as he bowed to Martha and pa.s.sed out of earshot: ”Who is she?”
Clayton coughed ominously.
”She is the companion of a Mrs. Kilpatrick.”
Gordon's face showed his disappointment.
”Oh, I say,” he murmured. ”A paid companion? Anyhow, she's deuced good-looking.” He glanced back at Martha, then turned. ”See you in New York, Clayton, and don't forget my offer.”
”I didn't care to introduce him to you, Miss Farnum,” explained Clayton, after Gordon had driven away in the 'bus. ”He's not the sort of man I should care to have any girl know well.”
”Oh, it's of no consequence,” laughed Martha. ”I have heard of him. The Sunday papers have printed lots of stories about his little attentions to actresses. He's been with that English actress here most of the time.”
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