Part 24 (1/2)

”How can I pin on my hat,” she asked desperately, ”when you--”

”Yes? When I?” he said encouragingly. ”Why are you blus.h.i.+ng?”

”n.o.body can properly pin on a hat when some one is kissing her,” she protested.

”I am from Missouri,” he replied. ”You must show me. In other words, I doubt the a.s.sertion. Now, to prove it, you try to pin on your hat and I will endeavor to kiss you at the same time.”

”You will do nothing of the kind,” she insisted. ”You will go and stand on the other side of the room. Ah--”

There was no room for further argument, the door was thrown open and Ydo, brilliant, laughing, gorgeous as a tropical flower, entered. Behind her loomed Wilfred Ames with all the radiance it was possible for his stolidity to express.

”Here!” cried Ydo, the music of her laughter filling the room as her eyes fell on Marcia. ”Ah, I knew it! What did I tell you?” turning to Hayden.

”What do you mean?” cried Marcia, startled, flus.h.i.+ng.

”I mean this,” laughed Ydo. ”That he,” pointing to Hayden, ”came to me about noon, frantic over the disappearance of his claims on Eldorado.

After he had explained the circ.u.mstances to me I knew in a minute that thou wert the woman. I didn't have to gaze into my crystal or run the cards to see that. But why, why? I knew that you didn't take them for--well, reasons that others might have taken them for; but why take them at all?”

There was no gainsaying Ydo. ”Because I thought some one else would take them if I didn't,” faltered Marcia.

”Meaning me!” Ydo's laughter seemed merciless to Marcia's shrinking ears.

”I don't mind the implication. But Wilfred, Bobby, to fancy I would do anything so clumsy! Who says that women are not cruel to women?”

”Ydo, forgive me,” pleaded Marcia, ”I am humiliated, ashamed.” Her voice trembled.

Ydo's green eyes twinkled upon her. ”Oh, la! la!” with a friendly, careless little push. ”Sweet, dainty lady of the b.u.t.terflies, I have nothing to forgive. I comprehend you, and he who understands all forgives all. It is simply that you do not understand me. Shall the violet understand the orchid? It is not a thing to think of again, so forget it for ever.