“It is too bad not to ask her to go with us,” Marjorie said in a low tone to Leila. “I imagine she is out for a walk today because she is lonely.”
“Let us see. I will be the first to disregard my own advice.” Leila rose to the occasion wholly to please Marjorie.
Leila leaned forward and said: “Stop the wagon, Midget.” She flashed Marjorie a smile of utter good humor. “Don’t worry, Beauty. I shall not groan with broken bones.”
Miss Monroe was strolling along the time-worn stone walk of the college which lay between the highway and the campus wall. On the other side of the highway was only a footpath. Her attention fixed on the opposite side of the highway she had not noted the stopping of the roadster. She turned her eyes ahead only when she had come up within a few feet of it. Her face darkened with annoyance. She half turned as though about to bolt in an opposite direction. Then she tossed her blonde head and advanced along the walk.
“Good afternoon, Miss Monroe,” Leila leaned out of the car. “We’re off for a ride and dinner at Orchard Inn. Won’t you come with us?” Leila conscientiously endeavored to put persuasive friendliness into the invitation.
“No.” Miss Monroe stopped short and shook a decisive head. “I don’t care in the least for that sort of treat. Thank you.” A chilly smile flickered only to die on her lips.
“We’re going to have luncheon at Baretti’s on Monday——” Marjorie spoke the rest of the invitation into the air. Miss Monroe had gone on, apparently without having heard it.
“I have no patience with that girl!” Vera broke out indignantly as the discourteous student continued to put distance between herself and the carload of girls. In her vexation Vera allowed the car to stand for an instant.
“Uh-h-h!” Leila was cautiously going over her arms, shoulders and hands for broken bones. “Keep your temper, Midget. Your Irish friend is still alive. So is Beauty; who thinks she is talking to someone, and finds she has been talking to the wind.”
“Better luck another day. I decline to abandon the field of honor,” Marjorie said with cheerful undauntedness. “I believe the fairy-tale princess has been enchanted by a wicked wizard and is under a magic spell. Some day I’m going to break the spell.”