Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-10-20

ing in from the kitchen. She greeted
"Goodby.' said Mrs. Banks, well be
back fore long
Mamie pulled up two chairs to the stove,
Hunch helping her.
How'd you happen to stay over?' she
asked, I'VE weren't expecting you
NO. just made up my mind this after
neon"
We'll. I'm sure were glad you did: 1t
seems like old times to nave you back
here
Don't it, though. l amt had much
chance to see my friends in the last year.
l have to keep agoing all the time, you
know"
But 1 should think you'd kind of like it.
Father told me how well you're doing.
Amt it fine?''
Il dunno" said Hunch. 81 amt always
sure ! care much one way or 'tother.
You mean about getting on? Oh. you
mustn't talk like that. OF course you care,
and all your friends care. too. We IKE
to see you get ahead Jess brother told
when you got to be captain, ana was
kind of proud of you
The mention of Jess bothered Hunch,
though he replied, Was you, really and
tried to smile.
Mamie was looking at him with a friend
ly expression in her eyes that he did not
quite understand. He thought at first that
she laughing at him. But when she
smiled and said with little hesitation:
Il didn't know but what you miShtnt
like what-the little surprise We had last
night, you know
oh yes, l did all right
well. but | thought afterward that may
be we oughtn't to have done it. 1t was
fathers idea. He feels real bad about
about you and Jess. And she's an awfully
Yes" said Hunch, there amt no doubt
about that
Mamie hestated again. and then. when
Hunch did not speak, they both became
embarrassed.
I've wondered sometimes if you knew"
she said at length, If you really thought
Jess the only one to blame. 1t was
Just as much her folks-her brother. you
know. ne was worried about it. and he
tried to keep her from going on with you"
Yes I know. He told me that"
And don't you see how 1t is? You're
both of you been two of my best friends l
ever had, and | didn't like to see it-well,
you know, don't you?
She was looking into the fire as she
spoke and Hunch was watching her She
was very much in earnest.
Don't you see?" she went on. Il couldn't
help feeling kind of bad about it, Why
can't you make it all right?''
She waited for him to answer. and at
last looked up at him with half a smile.
Why" she asked again.
Hunch looked at her, almost fiercely,
until she lowered her eyes to the stove. He
got up and walked to the window and
back.
Did you think it was her?'' he asked, in
a strange voice.
"uS-StS.
We'll it wasn't. 1t was you"
Mamie lost a shade of her color, and
leaned back in her chair. Hunch stood
looking down at her. and he said again:
1t was you. Mamie.
20 John" she said, I'm sorry. I'm so
sorry
Then Hunch sat down and talked wildly,
eagerly. And Mamie leaned back without
a word and looked at the brass ball on
top of the stove and at the patterns on the
wall paper. Hunch was talking when
key ratified in the lock. and he sat stiff and
constrained when NAMES father and
mother came into the room. He tried to
stay and tax. but could not. and few
minutes later he said good night and went
out into the hall. Mamie followed him,
and without a word took down his ulster
and helped him get it on.
Goodbye" he said.
Goodbye. John. Don't be mad will
you? You know how much l care for you
and we'll be good friends. won't we, john"
He bent down and whispered close to her
ear:
I'm in for ii now. Mamie. l amt going
to lose you now. Next lime l come down
l amt going back without you
Mamie smiled sadly. and shook her head.
But she stood in the doorway watching
him until he had passed into the darkness
beyond the lamp post on the corner.
CHAPTER Nv.
Eap