"There's my tardy escort now. I'm here, Shirley old top! Te,
he! You see I played a little joke on you this afternoon and
eloped with a handsomer man than you." She leaned unsteadily
against the door post and waved a white hand at him as she
coaxed. "Come on in, old dear, and don't be cross now with your
little Bonbon Tootems!"
Taylor and Warren exchanged glances, for this was an unexpected
sally. But they were prompt in their effusive cordiality, as
they assisted Shirley in removing his overcoat, and hanging his
hat with those of the other guests. He placed his cane against
the hall tree, and followed his host into the jollified
apartment. He did not overlook the swift glide of Shine's hand
into each of his overcoat pockets in the brief interval. Here
was a skilful "dip"--Shirley, however, had taken care that the
pickpocket would find nothing to worry him in the overcoat.
Warren's establishment was a gorgeous one. To Shirley it was
hard to harmonize the character of the man as he had already
deduced it with the evident passion for the beautiful.
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