dying with boredom before I met Basil. He is
rather a pet!"
"Mr. Parker PynemMiss Ramona," said Mrs.
Chester.
The girl acknowledged the introduction with a
lazy smile.
"I guess I'll call you Parker almost at once,"
she murmured. "My name's Dolores."
Basil returned with the drinks. Miss Ramona
divided her conversation (what there was of it--it
was mostly glances) between Basil and Mr. Parker
Pyne. Of the two women she took no notice whatever.
Betty attempted once or twice to join in the
conversation but the other girl merely stared at her
and yawned.
Suddenly Dolores rose.
"Guess I'll be going along now. I'm at the other
hotel. Anyone coming to see me home?"
Basil sprang up.
"I'll come with you."
Mrs. Chester said: "Basil, my dear--"
"I'll be back presently, Mother."
"Isn't he the mother's boy?" Miss Ramona
asked of the world at large. "Just toots 'round
after her, don't you?"
Basil flushed and looked awkward. Miss
Ramona gave a nod in Mrs. Chester's direction, a
PROBLEM AT POLLENSA BAY
95
dazzling smile to Mr. Parker Pyne and she and