South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1914-12-14
THEIR MARRIED LIFE
HELEN AND WARREN FAMOUS BLACK CAT, AND
\ DARK AND RAINY NIGHT
By MABEL HERBERT URNER

and too hilarious. But Warren was
enjoying it hugely
At high desk in the corner sat a
stout Frenchwoman, probably the
" fe Of the proprietor.
1t was she who checked off the bot
ties of champagne as they were car
ried out, made change for the walters,
and kept general shrewd surveil-
ance over everything.
Plainly it was her policy to keep
up the gayety. for the greater the
gayety the more frequent the orders
for wine. And now. when for a mo-
ment the merriment tagged, she
beckoned one Of the dancing girls
and gave her a large paper filed With
cOlored balls.
With a shout the girl tossed the
balls among the guests. Tnen fol-
lowed a fast volley of fire back and
forth. The gay little balls, about the
size of a walnut were light enough
to be thrown freely without harm
Why, ! believe that girls trying
to swat me- grinned Warren, as he
lodged the third ball thrown directly
at him by a pretty girl sitting with
a French officer across the room.
What me give her one" but he sue
ceeded only in hitting the bald head
of a passing waiter
The girl threw another which War
rem caught and tossed back with bet
ter aim. For the next few moments
they pelted each other until the balls
were all broken. Helen could not
help thinking it rather undignified
Warren did not often unbend like
this, but perhaps it was the spirit OF
the place.
When this diversion had died out,
the ingenious madame produced
bag of toy balloons and later another
of confetti.
They know how to make the thing
pay here" declared Warren. But
that's all right they're working hard
to give the people what they think
they want"
In the next lull. the orchestra rose
and marched gaily. in single file,
around the room. The 'cellist held
his instrument over his head and
tWanged on il like a banjo, while
violinist carried the bass violin, beat
ing il as a drum.
From the top Of the steep flight of
steps Helen looked down into the
dingy. dimly lit basement known as
the Chat NOir''-the famous BLACK
Cat"
Not a very cheerful looking joint, q"
commented Warren.
Dear, do you suppose it's safe p"
she said nervously. "Baedecker says
some of these places are regular dens
of thieves and outlaws"
Rot" Warren started down the
stairs. Come on"
Inside was a long room with low
wooden rafters, q sawdusted floor,
rough bare tables and benches. over
an old brick fireplace sat huge black
cat, whose yellow glass eyes were
lit up 10y a lamp or candle.
Around the wall ran a shelf on
which was d curious collection of
cats. all Of them black As the only
lights in the place shown through the
bullying eyes OF these animals, the eff
feet was most weird.
At one OF the tables, three long
haired. velvet jacketed men were sip
ping beer. To Helen's amazement
and EN- barrassment they rose as she
entered, bowed. waved their glasses
toward her and called out.
VOLTA lie petite dame en- blanc
ellie est Ia bienvenue icii'
What do they mean2" whispered
Helen, dra wing closer 10 Warren.
Your dress is white and they're
calling out a welcome 10 the won
an in white But It's all a part OF
the fake Those guys are hired to
pose as Bohemians-to greet the peo-
pie and give the place atmosphere "
Helen remem bered that her guide
book said that at the Black Cat the
cabaret had originated. but that now
this once favored resort OF the artists