Part 35 (1/2)

”This romance isn't finished yet,” Joe told her. His voice was not as confident as it had been. It was just a bit husky and anxious. ”The heroine worked in the Evergreen, too. She was in the advertising department, and she used to agree with old Kingley that everything was publicity that came to the store.”

”In the advertising department!” interrupted Norah, and all the pretty color rushed back to her cheeks, and her eyes danced. ”Do I know her?”

she demanded. ”I used to work in the advertising department of the Evergreen, too, you know.”

”Sure you know her. You see her every day. I used to think my girl was all for business and getting on, that she considered ambition and success as the only things that counted. But since I've seen her trying to help an ignorant little girl, and being kind and sympathetic to an old woman, why I know she's got a heart so big that it can hold more than ambition and success. Oh, what's the use of beating about the bush?

You know I mean you! I hope you care for me, but if you don't to-day you will to-morrow. I'm a persevering cuss, and I usually get what I want.”

”And what do you want?” asked Norah, and the corners of her mouth danced with her eyes. She tried hard to look only politely interested, but she just succeeded in looking eager to have him put his want in plain words.

”You,” he said bluntly, ”Tessie's a kid. She'll never grow up. She'll be some one for Bill to pet and play with all of his life. But I don't want a plaything. I want a woman for my mate, a woman who will help me do my share of the world's work and will let me help her do her share. I want more than a wife. I want a comrade! How about it?” Casual as the words were, Joe's voice was not casual. It held a deep note which thrilled Norah through and through and made her put her hand quickly into his.

”That's what counts,” she whispered. ”Understanding, comrades.h.i.+p. They mean as much as love, and when you have comrades.h.i.+p and love you are with the stars. We'll help each other,” she promised with sweet solemnity.

”Here, what do you mean by holding up the traffic?” exclaimed Mr. Bill, who had remained behind with Tessie for a short consultation with Mr.

Marvin, and who found them lingering flushed and important in the corridor. ”Come on and help us tell Granny that her queen has abdicated.”

”And Johnny, the Boy Scout,” added Joe. ”Johnny will take the news hard.

He had great ideas about changing the cannibals into Scouts. He confided to me that just because there never had been a Scoutmaster as young as he is was no reason why there never would be one. It will take some tact to break the news to Johnny.”

It took no tact at all to break it to Granny. She took off her gla.s.ses and looked at Tessie.

”My soul and body!” she murmured. ”And you had to marry a man like Ka-kee-ta? I'm glad you said you wouldn't! And just imagine living where you could be drowned any minute! You did exactly right, Tessie! You'll be much safer and happier right here in Waloo, where we know what to expect.” She was silent for a moment and then she added slowly, ”the good Lord never forgets the Gilfoolys!”

”Oh come, Granny,” objected Joe. ”Don't tell me you think the Lord destroyed two perfectly good islands, and n.o.body knows how many people, to keep Tessie Gilfooly from making a fool of herself!”

”They were savages, Joe,” corrected Granny. ”Poor, ignorant savages, not much more than animals, to look at Ka-kee-ta and hear him talk. I'm sorry for him, but I can't help feeling more comfortable about Tessie.

And, when you think of all the troubles those poor natives might have had--famine and smallpox and revolution--I guess a tidal wave was easy for them. I haven't liked much I heard about that kingdom of yours after I got over being proud to think you were a queen, Tessie, and if you had to marry a tattooed black man to keep it, I think you did exactly right to give it back. I expect we'll be a lot happier without any thrones in the family. There won't be any more kidnaping, and I shan't have to stay dressed up all the time. We can take it easy again, thank the good Lord!