Of late Ed Austin had
grown insultingly suspicious. More than once he had spoken of Dave
Law in a way to make his wife's face crimson, and he had wilfully
misconstrued her recital of Longorio's attentions. Fearing,
therefore, that in spite of Paloma Jones's presence Ed would
resent the general's call, Alaire strained her ears for the sound
of his coming.
It was late when Austin arrived. Visitors at Las Palmas were
unusual at any time; hence the sound of strange voices in the
brightly lighted living-room at such an hour surprised him. He
came tramping in, booted and spurred, a belligerent look of
inquiry upon his bloated features. But when he had met his wife's
guests his surprise turned to black displeasure. His own
sympathies in the Mexican struggle were so notorious that
Longorio's presence seemed to him to have but one possible
significance. Why Paloma Jones was here he could not imagine.
Thus far Alaire's caller had succeeded in ignoring Miss Jones, and
now, with equal self-assurance, he refused to recognize Ed's
hostility. He remained at ease, and appeared to welcome this
chance of meeting Austin. Yet it soon became evident that his
opinion of his host was far from flattering; beneath his
politeness he began to show an amused contempt, which Alaire
perceived, even though her husband did not.
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