The Tidal Wave and Other Stories by Ethel M. (Ethel May) Dell
page 148 of 340 (43%)
page 148 of 340 (43%)
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Charlie glanced at the garment in question. It was certainly the worse
for wear. There were some curious patches in the front that had the appearance of oil stains. "That'll be all right!" he said cheerfully. "I had a fright and tumbled upstairs. Skirts are beastly awkward things to run away in, aren't they, Mrs. Langdale? Well, good-night all! I'm going to bed." He got up with the words, grinned at everyone collectively, picked up the injured skirt with exaggerated care, and stepped out of the saloon. Mrs. Langdale looked after him, half-laughing, yet with a touch of concern. "He looks queer," she remarked to Molly, who was standing by her. "Quite white and shaky. I believe something has happened to him. He has hurt himself in some way." But Molly was feeling peculiarly indignant at that moment, though not on account of her ruined skirt. "He's a silly poltroon!" she said with emphasis, and walked stiffly away. Charlie Cleveland had recovered from his serious fit even sooner than she had thought possible; and, though she had made it sufficiently clear to him that as a serious suitor he was utterly unwelcome, she was intensely angry with him for having so swiftly resumed his customary gay spirits. |
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