Marion Marlowe in Society, or, A Race for a Title — page 21: what you’re looking at

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

18 “The Duke must know that—will you tell him P” | The girl murmured the question sweetly. As she looked up she saw her companion gaz- ing down at her admiringly> “Tll do anything for you, Maude, of course,” he said, quickly; “although I'll be honest and admit that I’d like to see Kit win the coronet.” “She doesn’t want it, and I do,” said’ Miss Rushlyn, coolly; ‘‘she’s in love with Lord Curry and will never gtt over it—I’m in leve with ho one but my own sweet self. Come, do me_a favor, tell the Duke of Miss Mar- lowe.” “A hard thing for a gentleman to do,” be- gan Glenham, but a quick look from his com- panion’s eves made his face flush a little. ‘T’l] do it, of course, Maude. Anything at all to please you!” he said, quickly. “I'll learn Miss Marlowé’s pedigree and make it known to the Duke; but that gives me entrée to the castle, doesn’t it, Maudie?” “Of course,” laughed Miss Rushlyn, with a little blush; “but come, there are more guests and I’m not on hand to receive them.” She stepped back into the spacious room, — where the guests were laughing and chatting, while Roy Glenham walked slowly to the op- posite end of the parlor. “Tt’s my only chance,” hé muttered to him- self. “Maude aims for the coronet, and that ‘s all there is about it. I hate to give her up, but it’s a title versus money, and the title wins.” He shrugged his shoulders angrily. The next moment he had forgotten Miss Rushlyn completely, for he was watching the faces of the men who were fairly swarming about Miss Marlowe. “Tf she were a queen she would not re- ceive any more attention, would she, Glen- ham 2” said a voice at his side. Roy Glenham turned around and discov- ered Bert Jackson. “You and I seem to be the only two who are not smitten,” laughed Glenham ; “but did vou ever see such a get-up as Van Twiller has on to-night? There's only one person in the room who can touch him, and that’s his companion, Jack Wurtemburg, the chap standing by Mrs. Stetson.” MY QUEEN. “They remind me of apes—English apes, don’t you know,” said Bert, glancing at the two dudes; “but talk about being smitten— they are both dead gone on Miss Marlowe.” - “Well, they'll stand no chance there with the Duke in sight,” said Glenham; then it suddenly occurred to him that this boy might be useful. “Actresses are so lofty in their aspirations, you know,” he went on, with a glance at Bert that was supposed to be confidential ; ‘‘and, of _ course, a girl like Miss Marlowe, who is really out of place in good society, is just the kind to aim high, even though she knows there is no chance for her.” | Luckily, Glenham's glance had wandered as he finished the sentence, so he did not see the flash of anger that lit the eyes of young ~ Jackson. “Mrs. Stetson is really atrocious at times,” went on the fellow, glibly; “she is very rich and a leader,,but for all that she is unbear- able! The idea of her forcing an adventuress _ upon us! . Why, if the Duke knew what she was he would be highly indignant.” Bert Jackson clutched his hands tightly to- 3 gether and bit his lips. There was just one motive that restrained him from prompt action. , 3 With a cleverness that he really did not know he possessed he adopted Glenham’s ~ manner and became very confidential. “You know all about her, then? Why don’t you tell the Duke? Pardon me, Mr. Glenham, but in my humble opinion, get Miss Marlowe out of the way and there is a chance for your sister.” : “You really think so?” Glenham was excited in an instant. “T am almost positive,” went on Bert, calmly; “Miss Rushlyn may think she has a chance, but, take my word, she isn’t in it.” Bert appeared so serious that Roy Glen- ham smiled radiantly. He would have given his all to capture the Duke for his sister. Aside from wanting to marry Miss Rush- vn himself, he was ambitious for Nitty and, as a clever match-maker, he rivaled even Mrs. Stetson. He would have been glad of another word with young Jackson, but his hostess beckoned GoOmIichbooksacom, *