But to have a big loss inflicted on us just when we
were really beginning to get ahead, is too much. I wish you'd never
introduced your miner to us."
That speech, of course, obliterated friendship on the spot, as far as
Hazel was concerned. Even though she was quite prepared to have Bill
blamed for the trouble, did in fact so blame him herself, she could not
stomach Kitty's language nor attitude. But the humiliation of the
interview she chalked up against Bill. She went home with a red spot
glowing on either cheekbone. A rather incoherent telephone
conversation with Mrs. Allen T. Bray, in which that worthy matron
declared her husband prostrated from his injuries, and in the same
breath intimated that Mr. Wagstaff would be compelled to make ample
reparation for his ruffianly act, did not tend to soothe her.
Bill failed to appear at luncheon. During the afternoon an uncommon
number other acquaintances dropped in. In the tactful manner of their
kind they buzzed with the one absorbing topic. Some were vastly
amused. Some were sympathetic. One and all they were consumed with
curiosity for detailed inside information on the Free Gold squabble.
One note rang consistently in their gossipy song: The Free Gold Company
was going to lose a pot of money in some manner, as a consequence of
the affair.
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