Part 7 (1/2)

”Well, if that don't beat all!” said she. ”I had jes' 'bout as much idea of supper as a goat has of kid gloves!”

But when Billy came flying back with the tickets, and the party had started once more on the long walk to the Opera House, the enticing posters began to appear, and supper and the cold were forgotten.

CHAPTER VII

”MR. BOB”

”If his heart at high floods Swamped his brain now and then, 'T was but richer for that When the tide ebbed again.”

A LARGE audience a.s.sembled that night to witness ”The Greatest Extravaganza of the Century.” The Opera House was a blaze of light and color.

From the recesses of one of the boxes, Redding made a careful survey of the faces beneath him. First nights usually found him there, with the same restless, eager look in his eyes. Tonight he evidently failed to find what he sought, and was turning listlessly away when he stopped suddenly, bent forward, then smiled broadly. He had caught sight of Billy's red comforter.

The boy's hair was plastered close to his head, and his face was transformed by soap and happiness. Redding glanced quizzically at the rest of the party--at the mother's radiant countenance beaming from the dusk of her crepe veil, at the three little girls in their composite costumes, at the carnations pinned on each bosom. Then he deliberately turned his back on ”The Greatest Extravaganza of the Century,” and centered his attention on the parquet group.

It was a singularly enthusiastic theater party, oblivious of surroundings, and lost in wonder at the strange sights. Billy's laugh rang out frequently, with refres.h.i.+ng spontaneity. Their enjoyment was so evident that Redding was surprised, at the close of the first act, to see them put on their wraps and march solemnly out of the theater. He hastened to the lobby, and touched Billy on the shoulder.

”Didn't you like the show?” he asked.

”You bet!” said Billy, his eyes s.h.i.+ning and his cheeks flushed.

Mrs. Wiggs was hopelessly entangled in the crepe veil, but her ideas of etiquette were rigid. She disengaged one hand and said, with dignity: ”I 'low this is Mr. Bob, Billy's friend. Happy to meet yer acquaintance. Asia, speak to the gentleman--Australia--Europena!”

with a commanding nod at each.

Three small hands were thrust at Redding simultaneously, and he accommodated them all in his broad palm.

”But why are you going home?” he asked, looking from one to the other.

”Where else would we go to?” asked Mrs. Wiggs, in amazement.

”Why not stay and see the play out? That was only the first act.”

”Is there some more, ma?” asked Asia, eagerly.

”Why, of course,” explained Redding, ”lots more. Now, go back, and stay until everybody has left the theater, and then you will be certain it's over.”

So back they went, furnis.h.i.+ng an amusing entr'acte for the impatient audience.

After the curtain descended on the final tableau, Redding waited in the lobby while the stream of people pa.s.sed. The Wiggses had obeyed instructions, and were the very last to come out. They seemed dazed by their recent glimpse into fairy-land. Something in their thin bodies and pinched faces made Redding form a sudden resolve.

”Billy,” he said gravely, ”can't you and your family take supper with me?”

Billy and his mother exchanged doubtful glances; for the past three hours everything had been so strange and unusual that they were bewildered.

”You see, we will go right over to Bond's and have something to eat before you go home,” urged Redding.

Mrs. Wiggs was in great doubt, but one of the little girls pulled her skirt and said, in pleading tones: ”Ma, let's do!” and Billy was already casting longing eyes at the big restaurant across the way. She had not the heart to refuse. As they were crossing the street, Asia stopped suddenly and cried:

”Ma, there's the 'Christmas Lady' gittin' in that hack! She seen us! Look!”

But before they could turn the carriage door had slammed.