Marion Marlowe's Triumph, or, In Spite of Her Enemies — page 26: what you’re looking at

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24 MY a amusing. Still, she could not help thinking herself that Gordon's love-making seemed very genuine. “Nonsense, Miss Ellis! gossip!” she said, sweetly. ‘Pray, don’t ever repeat such a ridiculous thing! Why, Miss Villette and Mr: Gordon are acknowledged sweethearts. ~ “Well, [’'m sorry for Gordon, then,” said Miss Bllis, bluntly. “Vera’s a jealous crea- ture, where a man is concerned, but | do real- ly think she has treated you beautifully !” “Why shouldn't she?’ asked Marion, in surprise. “Miss Villette and | are friends, and besides we are fellow boarders and fel- low workers.” | “Oh, I guess there's no reason,” said the girl, indifferently, ‘only some actresses would be mad to have a new arrival put over them, and I know that Vera always wanted that part, Miss Marlowe.” Marion said nothing more, but she began to feel sorry for Vera. . She had really behaved very sweetly if this was true, and Marion felt sorry to have even innocently deprived her of the coveted po- sition. _ Miss Lemadrid finished out the evening, in spite of her cold, so there was nothing for Marion to do but stand in the wings and watch proceedings. By accident she missed seeing Ned Hale in the first act; in his dual role as king’s courtier she did not know him. When the girls were ready for the street Vera and Nona joined Marion. Vera was a trifle pale, but as smiling as ever. The three hurried away from the others and were soon on the street, and then Marion learned that there was a surprise in store for her. “Now, Miss Marlowe,” began Vera, in her most winning way, “we want you to join us in a little lark! Nothing serious, | assure That is merely you, and only we three girls alone. We are going to indulge | in a little supper. “Where?” asked Marion, sweetly, for she had no reason for refusing. “Not at Mrs. Denison's, | hope, for the good lady very justly objects to your midnight lobsters.” “Oh, dear, no! We won't bother the poor old soul to-night! We are going to ‘Rita's You have heard of Rita's, haven't you, Miss Marlowe?” Marion shook her head, expected. She had never place as ‘“Rita’s.”’ “Ts it a restaurant?” she asked, pleasantly; ‘fit ic T shall be glad to go, for I confess that | have caught the spirit of the occasion, and am both hungry and thirsty.” “Champagne or beer?” asked Nona, laugh- ing. exactly as Vien heard of such a QUEEN. . always take beer because it is cheaper.” ‘as they turned a corner into a side street. “Oh, coffee or cold milk will do. = ir me,” answered Marion. “I never drank anything stronger in my life. I'm teetotaler.” “Well, you’ve missed a whole lot,” Nona, as she pinched” Vera, slyly. “A li champagne isn't going to hurt you any, bat what you call “But you haven't told me what this pla is,” said Marion, a little anxiously. “OF course I know it’s all right, or you gi eI ite wouldn’t go there, but the name is-so funny that I am a little curious.’ “Oh, Rita used to be one of us,” expen od Vera, promptly. “She was an actress who couldn't seem to act a little bit, so she ve ry wisely left the stage and started 2 me of restaurant. She's a friend to everybody in the profession—who hasn’t her ill-will,” Re added, laughing ; “but, sad to; relate, thei name is legion.” + “And Lemadrid is one ot didn. Pm thit Ike ing,” shid Nona, thoughtfully. “Why, out star lost her diamonds a month ago during 1g an evening at Rita’s, and what do’ you sup ope Riva said? That Lemadrid had faked the whole story as an advertising scheme, w rhen every blessed one of us knew. that she re ally and truly lost them!” A “T don’t believe I shall care to go there,” said Marion, a little dubiously. “Not that 4 have any diamonds to lose, but at sto ef sounds suspicious.’ . Vera looked at her sharply from Spdet her. ‘ drooping lids. - “You have a bit of detective haven’t you, Miss Marlowe * 4 softly. A trace of a smile crossed the young girl's face, but she only replied as modestly as “Et has bier my good fortune to ferret ou : a few mysteries, + ‘she said, simply; “still I lay no claim to the detective instinet.” F “Well, here we are at Rita’s, ee instinct, | she | askec ed, ’ cried Nona, “And now for a broiled lobster, cooked on ¢ regular stove, and something to go with it, besides crackers and pickles!” Marion glanced toward the house, which. seemed to be only a private residence, but the first floor was brilliantly lighted, and theréil w as an enormous transparency with the name — “Rita's” in colored lights, just over the en- trance, Just before they reached the steps Vera. stopped and turned suddenly. Her compan-_ ions turned also, for they thought she had J dropped something, but the ruse was merely | to gain a moment's time. Ned Hale was ju cs running up the steps, and she did not wis n Marion to see him. The next moment the rr