All his senses
were keenly alert, and he perhaps unconsciously listened to hear if
there were any comment on his appearance in such a place. He had not
realized what he was coming into, and now that it was too late for him
to withdraw without sacrificing his pride, he saw how incongruous his
presence really was. Almost instantly he caught a name.
"By Jove!" one of the men said. "Isn't the Wilson in great form to-
night! That diamond on her toe must be worth a fortune."
"She saves the price in the materials of her gowns," another responded
lightly. "I never saw her with quite so little on."
"No material is allowed to go to waist there," put in a third.
"She has two straps and a rosebud," yet another voice laughed; "and
nothing else above the belt but diamonds."
"Her very smile is decollete" some one commented. "This is one of her
nights. When I see Mrs. Wilson with that expression, I am prepared for
anything."
Maurice felt his cheeks burn at this light talk. It seemed to him
ribald, and he was outraged that the name of a woman should be bandied
about so carelessly. He raised his head and set his square jaw
defiantly; then began to push his way through the group, keenly
conscious of the stare which greeted him.
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