Part 75 (2/2)
”I like for a gentleman not to be so common-like.”
”I like a person or I don't like them, that's all.” He looked at her ringless hands. ”You ain't keepin' no steady company, are you?”
She colored clear up into her hair.
”No,” she replied, in a breathy voice.
”Can I have the pleasure of escorting you to Coney to-morrow night?”
”I'll be pleased to accept your company,” she said.
They danced again, and her hair brushed his cheek.
”You're some girl, all right!” he said, holding her close.
She giggled on his shoulder.
”Gee, but I love to dance!”
”Say,” he said, looking down at her suspiciously, ”is it my dancing you like or me?”
”Silly!” she whispered. ”I like you and your dancing.”
”You're all right, little one!” he a.s.sured her.
When they finally left the hall the lights were beginning to dim. The four of them went out into the quiet streets together. The street-cars had ceased to rattle except at long intervals. They walked in twos, arms interlaced, talking in subdued tones. A cool breeze had sprung up.
At a corner drug store they partook of foamy soda-water and scooped, with long-handled spoons, refres.h.i.+ng mouthfuls of ice-cream from their gla.s.ses. Perched on high stools before an onyx fountain, they regarded themselves in the mirror and smiled at each other in the reflection.
At Lulu's rooming-house they lingered again, talking in subdued tones on the brownstone stoop.
”I'll call for you early to-morrow night, Miss Harkins; and, since we decided to make a party of it, me and Polly'll call for you and Miss Tracy together.”
”That'll be nice,” she said.
”I'm glad you have no other fellow--I don't like no partners.h.i.+p stuff.”
”I love Coney,” she said.
At last they separated, and the two girls tiptoed up to the terrific heat of their box.
”Phew!” gasped Lilly. ”Ain't this just awful?”
Lulu lighted the gas and turned ecstatic eyes upon her friend.
”Lil, I always did say you brought me luck when it came to fellers--I think I got him to-night, all right.”
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