Part 21 (1/2)
”We better go now, Addie; honest we had! Eddie'll wait outside for me.”
”You poor kid! You want to get it over with, don't you? Get her coat, Eddie, and bring her my sweater to wear underneath. It's getting colder every minute.”
”I ain't scared a bit, Addie. I'll just go in and pack my things together and hustle out again.”
”Here's a sweater, Goldie, and your coat and hat.”
”Take care, children; and, Goldie, don't forget all the things you need.
Just take your time and get your things together--warm clothes and all.”
”I'll be waiting right outside for you, Goldie.”
”I'm ready, Eddie.”
”Don't let her get excited and worked up, Eddie.”
”I ain't scared a bit, Addie.”
”Sure you ain't?”
”Not a bit!”
”Good-by, Addie. Gee, but you're swell to me!”
”Don't forget to bring your rubbers, Goldie; going to work on wet mornings you'll need them.”
”I--I ain't got none.”
”You can have mine. I--I don't need them any more.”
”Good-by, Ad--leave the dishes till we come back. I can do 'em swell myself after you two girls have gone to bed.”
”Yes. I'll be waiting, Goldie; and we'll talk in bed like old times.”
”Yes, yes!” It was as if Addie's frail hands were gripping Goldie's heart and clogging her speech.
”Good-by, children!”
”Good-by.”
”S'long!”
The night air met them with a whoop and tugged and pulled at Goldie's hat.
”Take my arm, Goldie. It's some howler, ain't it?”
Their feet clacked on the cold, dry pavement, and pa.s.sers-by leaned into the wind.
”He was a great one for hating the cold, Eddie. Gee, how he hated winter!”