When she returned, an hour later, her eyes were red and swollen from
crying. She went straight to the telephone and took down the receiver.
She wanted Hal to come to Mrs. Ascott’s home at once. When the youth
had yielded reluctant assent, she threw herself down on the window seat
to wait.
“I am going to have an adjustment,” she cried passionately. “It can’t
go on this way. I was so sure of my ground ... and every word you
said was ... just one puncture after another. I could fairly feel the
tires sagging under me. Once I was on the point of writing to mamma.
She’s the only one who agrees with me about Hal. Even Sylvia has
been throwing cold water on me, the last day or two. Says I could do
better--and I ought to go around with the other boys to show him I
don’t care. I won’t be a liar. I do care!”
When young Marksley came into Mrs. Ascott’s presence, there was a
shamed droop to his shoulders and he was plainly embarrassed.
“Hal, I have told her everything,” Eileen began. “Now I want you to--”
“You little fool!”
Judith Ascott sprang to her feet, but the youth was already striving to
cover his blunder by an avalanche of apology. The expression was out
of his mouth before he had time to think. He was shocked that Eileen
should betray a secret they had sworn to keep. He hadn’t meant to be
rude. He was stunned by her treachery.
“Well, we aren’t married yet. I only told her we intended to be--and
wanted her to witness the ceremony, before you leave for college.”
Hal Marksley’s chest collapsed in a sigh of relief.
“When we get ready to be married, Mrs. Ascott, we’ll talk it over with
you. Now, Eileen, run home and get your motor bonnet. I have to drive
to Olive Hill on an errand for father. I left my car around the corner.”