Marion Marlowe in Denver, or, The Tragedy of Pike's Peak — page 20: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

women in the galleries last night that yelled like Indians !” | “And men in the pit that whooped like cowboys! Oh, the audience was a typical Western one, I can assure you,” said Mrs. Burnside, who came in at that minute. “Well, there was one man in the house who did not make any noise,” said Miss EI- lis, with a sly glance at Marion, “and that was the one who hypnotized our star. did not make a sound, but oh, how he did look! If that wasn’t admiration, I never saw it.” Marion's face had grown crimson while the ingénue spoke, and, as quickly as she could, Miss Allyn changed the subject. “Some people have to yell to show their enthusiasm,” she said, gayly, “and, certainly, Marion deserved their praise last night! I shall never forget out last performance in _ Denver!” . _ “It’s the one town that we have played in that there have been no tragedies,” remarked Mrs. Burnside, soberly; “now, if our visit to Pike’s Peak is only a success—and I am sure it will be,” she added, looking eagerly at Marion. “Oh, it must be, Mrs. Burnside!” cried the young girl, quickly. “TI have heard so much about Pike’s Peak, and I just love climbing! But who knows when we start? Is it to- morrow morning?” : Mrs. Burnside nodded her head with a happy smile. ‘3 “To-morrow, at eleven,” she said, as she rose to leave the room. “Ida Inez is going to take care of my baby, so that I can go. That will make ‘exactly eight in the party.” “I hope Mr. Temple will be well enough,” said Miss Allyn, slowly. “IT am sure he will! He must be!” laughed Miss Ellis, “but oh, I forgot to show you my boots and alpenstock, Marion! I bought them this morning, and Bert bought quite a number—alpenstocks, I mean. He has one for each of you.” “And has he hired a guide?” asked Mar- ion, eagerly. SEE, _ There was a war-whoop just outside of - the door, and then Bert answered the ques- - tion, , | 4 , é e ae =o x He MY QUICKEN. aT “There'll be no end of guides when we need them, Marion! But here’s a bit of news for you—we are to have an addition to our party. Mr. Temple has just told me that Lawyer Waldo was going!” “Lawyer Waldor” Miss Allyn repeated the name with a look of surprise, but Bert merely nodded his head and went on hilariously: “Yes, the lawyer is going with us, or rath- er, he is going to join us somewhere on the route. It seems he and Mr. Wilson have been planning a trip to Manitou, and Mr. Waldo was just in to see Temple while you folks were making your toilets and, as near as I can make it out, the manager invited him on your account, Marion; but, as that is none of my business, I won’t ask any ques- tions,” said Bert, laughing. Marion caught her breath and her cheeks paled a little; then, with an involuntary movement, she glanced at the clock on the mantel, She had sent her note just an hour ago. No doubt Mr. Waldo had not been there when it reached the office. When he read her reply, he might change his mind about accompanying them, but—the thought flash- ed into her mind, did she really wish it? CHAPTER X. A FIEND. When Marion next saw the lawyer she was astonished to find him as calm and courteous as ever. If he was disappointed at her refusal he did not show a trace of it. They had visited the Garden of the Gods and Cheyenne Canon, and were now clim)- ing the rugged mountain on the little Mani- tou and Pike’s Peak railroad. As Marion gazed almost spellbound upon the panorama below her, the lawyer sud- denly leaned over her shoulder. _ “Our Western country is superb, is it not, Miss Marlowe?” he said, quietly. “And yoir, a perfect child of nature, must enjoy it greatly. It is my opinion that only country- bred people can really enjoy the country. for they alone know every secret of nature.” Marion’s heart beat faster at I Oi Conniehooksseom