The Richmond climax. (Richmond, Ky.) 1897-1914, 1912-06-05
Lake and SeaShOre Tours
IN AUGUST, 1912

particular where and how l DO them.
What about your friends?"
They won't wait If I'm not there.
Come on!"
This was better than he had hoped.
He did not realize that instantly she
had resolved to use him to make
Williams Jealous. His good looks
were not lost on her.
The dance was cheap. The men
were cheap, the music. the move
ment The atmosphere was unwhole-
some. 1t was close and hot, and cheap
perfume made the air heavier. Mamie
and Graves swung themselves into the
waltz then in progress, and she gave
an inner gasp Of relief He could
dance! No one betterI Other girls
looked at him. At the waltz's close
Williams came up, suavely, leaving
Flossie with a dark look on her face.
my Dance" said he to Mamie. and
lied. Save for the presence Of this
big young stranger with the girl he
would not have danced with her.
He was too sure Of her. The girl
moved toward him, the slightest i'm
pulse Of a movement, murmuring the
mems names to each other. Both
bowed. but Graves put his arm
around Mamie, catching the step.
You're mistaken. This dance is
promised me. So are<al the others"
He swung away with her. She tried
for a moment to be angry, but could
not. Williams stood lowering a mo-
ment. Flossie also had deserted him.
At the end of the music Mamie ex-
postulated. II would not do. He
must dance with some one else. She
would introduce him. She must dance
with some one else-5ust for the looks
Of it! Graves led her to a window
for a breath.
There is not a man in this room
who looks At for you to dance with.
You're half-exhausted, over-heated-
watch your own breathingi You
Go back for your wrap-no, I'll go,
too-and Wen get something to eat
Then II you want to come back
He wrapped the cloak about her and
together they went down the dirty
stairs to the street Williams fol-
lowed unnoticed.
1t was not more than nine, but a
sudden storm was rising, dust blew
in their faces and a queer sultriness
was in the air. He drew NAMES
hand into his arm and held her close
ly. They walked a few blocks, and
the darkness deepened. She chung to
him.
Where are WEIGHING"
I'm trying to get on to a decent
street where I think can find a
place where l would take you for
something to eat Mamie-is that
place any real fun to you? Is that
cad"
Without warning. a shuttle Of feet
behind them and an angry voice
made Graves push the girl in front Of
him.
Cad. am II I'll show you"
Williams, and an ugly bulk Of man
beside him came up beside them.
Graves did not slacken his speed. He
pushed Mamie around a corner where
a street lamp burned dimly. A po-
hceman almost ran into them. A car
was coming along also, and he
stepped into position to nail 1t, at
the same time speaking to the off,
Ger.
Kelley" he said. These fellows
are drunk and annoying US. Wait
till l take the lady home and I'll
o0roa Sou,r 60 ha.douortars a,d s,fua
information" But the two took to
their heels, the officer after them.
Graves put the trembling girl on
the car, found her an inside seat, and
sat down. guarding her He did not
speak, knowing she was on the edge
of tears. He handed the conductor
the fares and took transfers. They
would not take them near Mamie's
boarding house.
Where are we going?" Her tone
was childlike, questioning.
"We." he said. emphasizing the
pronoun, ARE going out to the truck
patch. to our own home. My sister
is there, and tomorrow we are to be
married. Grace viii take care of you
tonight There has been enough OF
this sort Of danger for you. Mamie
Hasn't there?" His ear was quick. |
but he caught no answer She
turned her head and looked where
the sudden spring rain was beating
at the car windows. Then she leaned |
close against the strong arm. weari.
ness in every line of her slender
body, yielding to his demand heart
and soul.
They walked five blocks past va
cant lots in a drenehing rain. he in
his shirt sleeves after wrapping his |
new coat about her. AS they reached |
the yard where far back stood his
little brown cottage with the light |
burning in the window. he drew her
very close to him.
Mamie" he said. you want to go |
with me, don't your With all your
hearth"
She nodded her head against his
arm.
"With-all my heart" she said.
through the rain. with all my
hearth"
Roberts sister heard them, and
opened the door with lamp in her
hand.
For goodness sake. MamieI" she
said. For goodness sakel"