Part 37 (1/2)

He led Peter to a chair.

”Sit down and make yourself comfortable.”

Monte lighted a cigarette, sank into a near-by chair, and waited.

”Beatrice said she told you,” began Peter.

”She did,” answered Monte; ”I'd congratulate you if it would n't be so manifestly superfluous.”

”I did n't realize she was an old friend of yours.”

”I've known her for ten years,” said Monte.

”It's wonderful to have known her as long as that. I envy you.”

”That's strange, because I almost envy you.”

Peter laughed.

”I have a notion I 'd be worried if you were n't already married, Covington.”

”Worried?”

”I think Mrs. Covington must be a good deal like Marjory.”

”She is,” admitted Monte.

”So, if I had n't been lucky enough to find you already suited, you might have given me a race.”

”You forget that the ladies themselves have some voice in such matters,” Monte replied slowly.

”I have better reasons than you for not forgetting that,” answered Peter.

Monte started.

”I was n't thinking of you,” he put in quickly. ”Besides, you did n't give Marjory a fair chance. Her aunt had just died, and she--well, she has learned a lot since then.”

”She has changed!” exclaimed Peter. ”I noticed it at once; but I was almost afraid to believe it. She seems steadier--more serious.”

”Yes.”

”You've seen a good deal of her recently?”

”For the last two or three weeks,” answered Monte.

”You don't mind my talking to you about her?”

”Not at all.”

”As you're an old friend of hers, I feel as if I had the right.”