This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

PEGGY-IN-THE-RAIN



his end up here. It's a cropper for poor old Tommy, what?"

"Rather! But—why, I thought it was as good as settled!"

"Everybody did. I fancy the old gentleman is discouraged. First you, you know, and now his Lardship—or his Grease, or whatever he calls himself."

"Seen Leona since?"

"Yes, last night. Seemed very fit. She's a wonder, that girl."

"Ye-es."

"Well, ain't she?" Peter challenged.

"Of course she is. I was only wondering—why."

"Don't. It's no use. Never waste time wondering why any woman does anything. I don't know; you don't know; the women don't know."

"Wrong, Pete. They know but they can't explain so we'd understand. Well, I'm surprised."

"Same here." Peter ate his egg Benedict in silence for a few moments. Then he buried his face behind his napkin and said: "I say, Gordon, you know—I'm thinking of—of taking a chance myself."

171