Evening star., 1900-09-29

Hunch, and Hunch was drifting blindly
with the current all these doings magni-
fled their common interests and gradually
made it easier for them to be alone togeth-
er and to talk about themselves and their
likings and hopes. Hunch grew more care
full about his appearance. and spent less
time than formerly with the dock men and
the elevator gang.
One evening about the middle of Novem-
Der Hunch went around to the Bartletts'
usual Jess was a little embarrassed
about something. When Hunch said, Shall
we go down to Bruce's?" she hestated
Guess we hadn't better" she said.
Name isn't very we'll.
"All right. Whatll we do?"
Il don't care. Do you want to stay here?
There's nobody home tonight. I'll tell
you. YOU can have a dancing lesson"
Guess | won't be much good at 1t.
don't believe | can learn"
.Oh, yes you can. You'll do beautifully.
Now, stand up.
Hunch felt awkward as she showed him
the steps and then tried to guide him about
the room.
I'm an awful fool" he said.
you amt, either. Here, you guide me. "
Hunch hesitated and looked at her.
'"Take hold of my hand. Put your arm
around-Oh pshaw It's just dancing; don
be SO stupid. Not way Off there. Hold me
closer or we can't dance at all Oh you
don't understand"
Hunch gripped her doggedly. She was
leaning little trying to watch his feet, and
as they stood there, her hair brushing
against her shoulder and slight blush on
her forehead, he felt that he was losing his
self-control Then he found that he did
not care, and he made no effort to hold
himself in check.
Now one, two, three-one two three.
Not that way. Try it again. One, two.
three-you don't get 1t. somehow"
Hunch was standing STILL holding her
firmly. She was small in his grasp, he
felt strong, and he could so easily lift
from hat he
was almost tempted to try 1t. She was
looking down, and he could see the tip OF
an ear and a flushed cheek below the tan
gle of hair. Then for a moment she went
on rapidly with her instructions, but her
voice faltered and stopped They stood for
time without moving, then Hunch drew
her little closer and grasped her hand
more firmly She frowned and looked up,
but she could not hide the color on her face,
and the smiling strength in Hunch's eyes
overbore the half-hearted disapproval in
/ hers. Hunch. with his other arm. drew her
head against his shoulder He was happy
In way that he had never before under
stood. for she trusted him. and he was
strong and would protect her
CHAPTER VI.
Mamie was sick Hunch did not go to
the house, but one night after supper.
while he was changing his clothes to go to
| the Bartletts. Bruce came in.
Hello, Bruce. Sit down.
Can't stop but minute. Wherere you
| going?"
| up to see Jess"
i amt seen you to shake on that. have
| /. Hunch? Mamie told me. She says Jess
| tickled to death When're you going to be
| married."
Dunno, exactly. Guess not before
| spring"
! Did you hear about Name, Hunch?"
| Sick, you mean?"
| Yes, l s'posed you knew what was the
! matter. Thought mebbe Jess told you-bu,
/ she couldn't. though. could she? I'm awful
/ worried It's too soon, you know. You see
! thats what | come to see you about.
| been shaving Ii pretty close. Had to be uI
! nights and Ii kind of knocked my work
| And the doctors sticking me like every
| thing. | didn't know but-well, I'll tell you
/ Hunch, can you let me have fifty for cou.
| pie of weeks? don't get my salary till the
| end of the month, and I've got to settle
some things right away
| by" -
I'm awfully sorry. Hunch. but you see
| how II is"
That's all right. Bruce Any timeI
| do"
I'm give you my note. That's about al
| l can do"
Not much you won't You just take 1,
and pay when you can, and don't you say
| nothing about it,
| For few DAYS there was gloom al
| Bruce's cottage. Once Hunch went around
| and was met at the door by Bruce, who
| looked worn. Hunch did not know how tt
| ask about Mamie, but Bruce came out anl
| drew the door to behind him.
! She's pretty bad Hunch. / don't know
| what I'll do II anything happens. The doc
tor says we'll know one way or the Other
| In day or so.''
Hunch gripped his hand and went away.
That evening when Hunch went arount