Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1908-08-04

him close by an arm and hand, II low
you"
That's what they all say" she re
piled lightly.
81 am not one of they ALL" he per
sisted. 81 never knew any one coult
love before. could pass my life witt
you and be happy every day. an
rich. l can make things all right fol
you"
That's what they all say" said thu
girl again, weaving the words into bel
little reckless song.
Don't say that again." said Blinkel
In tone that made her look at him ir
frank surprise.
"Why shouldn't say itf" she asked
calmly. "They all do"
"Who are they?" he asked, Jealous
for the first time in his existence.
"Why, the fellows l know"
do you know so many?"
"Oh, we'll. I'm not wallflower." she
answered, with modest complacency.
"Where do you see these-these men
At your home"
"Of course not. l met them just as
did you-sometimes on the boat, some
times in the park, sometimes on the
street. I'm a pretty good Judge OF
man. can tell In a minute If fellow
Is one who is likely to get fresh"
"What do you mean by fresh?"
"Why. try to kiss you-me, l mean.
"Do any of them try that?" asked
Blinker, clincbing his teeth.
"Sure. All men do. You know that.
do you allow Them"
"Some; not many. They won't take
you out anywhere unless you do"
She turned her head and looked
searchingly at Blinker. Her eyes were
as innocent as a child's. There was a
puzzled look in them, as though she
did not understand him.
whats wrong about my meeting
fellows" she asked wonderingly.
Everything" he answered almost
savagely. "Why don't you entertain
your company in the house where you
live? Is 1t necessary to pick up Tom,
| Dick and Harry on the streets"
She kept her absolutely ingenious
eyes upon his.
IF you could see the place where ]
| live you wouldn't ask that. | live IN
Brickdust row. They call 1t that be-
cause there's red dust from the bricks
crumbling over everything. I've lived
there for more than four years. There's
no place to receive company. You
can't have anybody come to your room
What else is there to do? A girl has
got to meet the men, hasn't she?"
"Yes." he said hoarsely. "a girl has
got to met a-has got to meet the men,
1.-The first time one spoke to ME on
the street." she continued. 81 ran home
and cried all night. But you get used
to it. | meet good many nice fel'
lows at church. I so on rainy days
and stand in the vestibule until one
comes up with an umbrella. wish
there was Il parlor, so | could ask you
to call. Mr.. Blinker. Are you really
sure 1t isn't Smith, now"
The boat landed safely. Blinker had
a confused impression Of walking with
the girl through quiet crosstown streets
until she stopped at corner and held
out her hand.
~ live just one more block over.
she said THANK you for a very pleas
ant afternoon"
Blinker muttered something and
plunged northward till he found cab.
A big gray church loomed slowly at
his right. Blinker shook his fist at 1t
through the window
Il gave you thousand dollars last
week." he cried under his breath, land
she meets them in your very doGrs.
There Is something wrong; there Is
something wrong"
At II the next day Blinker signed his
name thirty times with new pen pro
vided by Lawyer Oldport.
Now let me 60 to the woods" he
said surlily.
You are not looking we'll" said Law
yer Oldport. 1.-The trip will do you
good. But listen, IL you will. to that
little matter Of business Of which ]
spoke to you yesterday and also five
years ago. There are some buildings.
fifteen in number, Of which there are
new five year leases to be signed
Your father contemplated change In
the lease provisions, but never made It,.
He intended that the parlors of these
houses should not be sublet, but that
the tenants should be allowed to use
them for reception rooms. These houses
are in the shopping district and are
mainly tenanted by young working
girls. AS 1t is, they are forced to seek
companionship outside. This row Of
red brick
Blinker interrupted him with loud,
discordant laugh.
"Brickdust row for an even hun.
dred" he cried. And own 1t! Have
guessed rght?"
"The tenants have some such name
for It," said Lawyer Oldport
Blinker arose and jammed his hat
down to his eyes.
"Do what you please with It," he
said harshly. Remodel 1t, burn 1t.
raze it to the ground. But, man. it's
too late. tell you. It's too late. It's
too late. It's too late"