The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1912-06-13

1OIilt VII
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 looh
were not lost on her.
The dance was cheap. The men
were cheap. the music, the move
ment. The atmosphere was unwhole-
some. II was close and hot. and cheap
perfume made the air heavier. Mamie
and Graves swung themselves into the
waltz then in progress, and she gavs
an inner gasp Of relief. He could
dance! No one better! Other girls
looked 1t him. At the waltzs close
Williams came up. suavely, leaving
Flossie with . dark look on her face.
MY dance" said he to Mamie. and
lied. Save tor the presence Of this
big young stranger with the girl b
would not have danced With her.
He was too sure Of her. The girl
moved toward him. the slightest i'm.
pulse Of 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 10
promised me. So are all 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. 1t would not do. He
must dance with some one else. She
would introduce him. She must dance
with some one else-just for the looks
OF II! Graves led her to window
for a breath.
There Is not a man In this room
who looks At for you to dance with
You're halfexhausted. overheated-
watch your own breathing. You
didn't take time for decent supper.
Go back for your wrap-no, I'll go.
too-and we'll 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, hut a
sudden storm was rising. dust blew
in their faces and queer sultriness
was In the air. He drew NAMES
hand into his arm and held her close.
ly. They walked few blocks, and
the darkness dcepened. She chung TO
him.
where are wc-gOing?"
I'm trying TO get on to a decent
street where think can find a
place where | would take you for
something to eat. Mamic-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 |? I'll show you--"
Williams, aud 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'
liceman almost ran into them. A car
was coming along also. and nc
stepped into position to nail It, at
the same time speaking TO the Off
GER.
Kelley" he said. "Thesc fellows
are drunk and annoying us. Walt
till I take the lady home and III
come down to headquarters and give
information" hut the two took tc
their heels. the officer after them.
Graves put the trembling girl on
the car. found her an inside seat. and
sat down. guarding her. lie did not
speak. knowing she was on the edge
Of tears. lie handed the conductor
the fares and took transfers They
would not take them near Mamic's
boarding house
"
was childlikc. questioning.
We" he said. emphasizing the
pronoun. ARE going out 10 the truck
patch. to our own home. My sister
is there, and tomorrow we are TO b,
married. Grace will 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 hear
and soul.
They walked five blocks past va
cant lots In drenching rain. lie II
his shirt sleeves after wrapping nj.
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 he,
very close 10 him.
Mamie" he said. you wan. 10 &C
With me. don't YOU With all your
heart >"
She nodded her head against hi.
arm.