But to-day it
is different; to-day I am going to square myself. That's one reason
why I treated you so cattishly last night; because you were so
maddeningly good to look upon. Through a man's eyes, you know; and
that's about all that counts anyway, isn't it? And the other reason
was that you came in with Roddy and he looked so contented. . . . Do
you wonder that I am just wild about him? Isn't he a perfect dear?"
Florrie's utter frankness disconcerted Virginia. The confession of
"wildness" about San Juan's sheriff, followed by the asseveration of
his perfect dearness was made in bright frankness, Florrie's voice
lowered no whit though Julius Struve at the moment was coming down the
veranda bearing a tray and glasses. Virginia was not without gratitude
that Struve lingered a moment and bantered with Florrie; when he
departed she sought to switch the talk in another direction. But
Florrie, sipping her tall glass and setting it aside, was before her.
"You see it was double-barrelled jealousy; so I did rather well not to
fly at you and tear your eyes out, didn't I? Just because you and he
came in together . . . as if every time a man and girl walk down the
street together it means that they are going to get married! But you
see, Roddy and I have known each other ever since before I can
remember, and I have asked myself a million times if some day we are
going to be Mr.
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