Evening star., 1900-09-29

Hunch, and Hunch was drifting blindly
with the current, all these dOings magni-
fed their common interests and gradually
made it easier for them to be alone togeth-
er and to talk about themselves and their
likngs 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'
as usual. Jess a little embarrassed
about something. When Hunch said, Shall
We go down to Bruce's?" she hesitated.
Guess we hadn't better" she said.
Name isn't very well"
"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 l won't be much good at it. l
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 t
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 doggediy. 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 1t again. One two,
three-you don't get 1t. somehow"
Hunch was standing still, holding her
firmly. She was SO small in his grasp. he
felt so strong, and he could so easily lift
from floor ha ia
was almost tempted to try 1t. She was
looking down, and he could see the tip of
an ear and 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 uD
but she could not hide the color on her face,
and the smiling strength in Hunchs eyes
overbore the half-hearted dsapproval in
hers. Hunch. with his other arm, drew her
head against his shoulder He was happy
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. Where're you
going?"
up to see Jess"
Il amt seen you to shake on that. have
i, Hunch? Mamie told me- She saws 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-but
| she couldn't. though. could she? I'm awful
| worried. It's too soon. you know. You see
! that's what | come to see you about |
| been shaving 1t pretty close. Had to be up
! nights and 1t kind of knocked nv work.
AND the doctors sticking me like every
| thing. l didn't know but-well. I'll tell you,
| Hunch. can you let me have fifty for cou-
| pie or weeks? don't get my salary till the
| end OF the month, and I've got to settle
| some things right away
Sure" said Hunch I've got a little mt
| by" pa'
I'm awfully sorry. Hunch. but you see
| how II is
That's all right. Bruce Any time'l
TN give you my note That's about all
can do
Not much you won't. You just take 1t
and pay when you can, and don't you say
nothing about Ii"
For few days there was gloom at
| Bruce's cottage. Once Hunch went around
/ and was met at the door by Bruce who
looked worn Hunch did not know how to
4 ask about Mamie. but Bruce came out and
| drew the door to behind him.
she's pretty bad, Hunch. don't know
/ what Ill do II anything happens. The doc
| tor says Wen know one way or the other
\ In day or so"
Hunch gripped his hand and went away.
That evening when Hunch went around