Chapter III

So, Howard was engaged. Well, that was settled. Gone! She might as well wipe him off her slate. She knew Howard. She could never get him back, now. She could never mean anything at all to him. Ever. Something went out. Life was greyer, would always be greyer. Things didn’t seem to matter as much. Maybe things had never mattered, anyhow. Of course she’d get over it. People got over things like that in years. Years. To keep on living.... And she had prayed to God. God!

She told Joe. They talked about that, other things. Howard gone! Joe was talking. She giggled over his stories. She found she couldn’t giggle any more. She lapsed into silence. What did Joe matter? What if she never saw him again? What did anything matter? Joe—well, he was the nicest man she knew—now. A better catch than Howard. Mary knew that. Why of course. Mary would have been glad to have gone with Joe. Why, Mary had made up to Joe. He thought her a stupid little thing. She was, too. Joe! After all, why not? It was better than no one at all, than letting people ask her about Howard.

She went over and sat next to Joe on the couch. She rested her hand, carelessly, near his hand. She leaned toward him just a little. She was glad her dress was rather low. She looked rather nice, that way.

“I feel so nervous, Joe,” she said, “I don’t know why. A sort of a mood. Why, I believe I’m trembling. Feel my hand.”

She held out one hand to him.

“Not an excuse for me to play hands with you, Laura?”

“You old silly. Don’t you know me better than that?”

“Bet I do. What’s the matter?”

“I don’t know. I just felt sort of—sad. Don’t you get that way, sometimes?”

“Not when a girl as nice as you lets me hold her hand. I say, Laura....”

“Now, Joe,” giggled Laura, and pulled her hand away. Holding Joe’s hand gave her as much emotion as holding Maud’s hand—or the cat’s paw.

“I don’t know what’s the matter with me,” she said, and sighed.

“Now, now,” said Joe, and gave her shoulder little pats. “Cheer up and tell papa what’s wrong.”

She laughed at that and put one hand over his hand as it lay on her shoulder.

“You’re a dear little girl,” Joe said, “if I only thought you really liked me, Laura....”

Half an hour later he had his arms around her, was telling her he loved her, had asked her to marry him.

Engaged to Joe! The years stretched out indefinitely, without colour. Why not? She couldn’t be unengaged—unmarried—all her life. She couldn’t let Mary laugh at her—or Howard. Now, Howard couldn’t laugh. Why, Howard had been jealous of Joe Austin, one time. She’d show them—show Howard and Mary. She didn’t need Howard. Howard’s father was stingy. Mary wouldn’t have nearly as much as she could have. She could have a new house—or stay at the hotel and have no work at all, if she liked ... clothes, city things, trips ... she’d have a big wedding, too, bigger than the Prices could afford.

The telephone rang again.

“Answer it, won’t you, Joe?” she begged, prettily.

Joe answered it, came back in half a minute.

“It’s for you—Mary Price to break the big news,” he said.

“Want to go to her house, to-morrow night?”

“Sure thing.”

“Shall I tell her—about us?”

“Go ahead, spring it. She’s not the only one with news. Good stuff. Give ’em something else to think about.”

She was at the telephone.

Mary was pleasantly polite.

“I’m having a few friends in to-morrow night.... Howard and I—”

“Just heard it, dear,” said Laura. “I’m awfully glad. And just for that—here’s something for you—you’re the first I’ve told. Joe and I have decided the same thing. Must be in the air. Thanks. Yes ... isn’t it? Won’t it be fun ... lots of parties and things together. I’m so excited. Aren’t you? You’ve got my very, very best wishes. Congratulate Howard for me, won’t you? I certainly know how lucky you are, too. Howard is a fine fellow—one of the nicest boys I know. You know, I used to go with Howard a little ... before—I—I knew Joe. Yes—isn’t he fine? Thanks ... we’ll both be delighted. See you to-morrow evening....”

Howard! With a smile on her lips, Laura went back into the living-room to her fiancé.

BIRTHDAY