“I’m going to be lonesome this winter, Marjorie,” Hal continued. “I am about the only fellow in the crowd I’ve always run with to be left in Sanford. Danny’s going to New York to study law. Did I tell you the Crane is going to Buffalo to take charge of a branch of his governor’s business? Harry Lenox is going on the road for their business. And Laurie!” Hal made a gesture of resignation. “He’ll not be far away. Only the Atlantic Ocean between us! That’s all! I was in hopes he wouldn’t go back to Europe this winter. Circumstances, however—” Hal stopped suddenly.
The significance of his tone caused Marjorie to interrogate quickly: “Circumstances? What do you mean, Hal?”
“It is plain you haven’t heard something you are due to hear. I can’t explain. I can only say this—Don’t be surprised at anything you may hear.” Hal made this mysterious assertion with the suspicion of a tantalizing smile.
Before Marjorie could inquire further as to his meaning, Danny Seabrooke joined them with: “The next dance will be a fox trot. Bid Macy a pleasant but sudden farewell, Marjorie, and prepare to dance it with me. I am a much better dancer than he. You will have something agreeable to look forward to.” He simpered at Marjorie, then closed one eye and squinted reflectively at Hal.
“Hope you’ll be in condition to dance that fox trot.” The silky intonation was not without menace.
“I trust that I shall. It all depends. If I can persuade Marjorie to leave this danger-laden spot at once, all will be well.”
“Don’t be too confident. There’s many a slip——”
“I know it,” Danny cut in wisely. “I have fallen down three times on this floor tonight. I know all about that slip business.”
This confession merely provoked unsympathetic laughter on the part of his hearers.
The lively music of the fox trot beginning, Danny made an elaborate salaam to Marjorie.
“Goodbye for the present, Hal. I’m coming back to quiz you about that mysterious remark you just made,” she called over her shoulder as she started to dance away.
“You may expect _me_, too,” assured Danny. “Farewell!” He beamed foolishly at Hal and waved his hand.
“Farewell. You needn’t mind coming back, Dan-yell,” Hal flung ironically after him.
Readers of the “Marjorie Dean High School Series,” comprising the four volumes, “Marjorie Dean, High School Freshman,” “Marjorie Dean, High School Sophomore,” “Marjorie Dean, High School Junior,” and “Marjorie Dean, High School Senior,” are already in close touch with Marjorie and her friends.