The Washington herald., 1915-08-30

fish and chowder stands were doing
a thriving business.
"Oh, we're not going in here?" as
Warren steered her into a dimly-li,
beer hall with a moving picture screen
at the bach,
l. We'll 60 in anywhere to get a
drink. I'm not keen on catching cold,
feeling his moist coat sleeve.
A waiter gathered the soiled glasses
and wiped off their table with wet
dirty towel. Helen shuddered and
pushed back from the smeared top.
"Cut the squeamish act" rasped
| Warren. You were SO blame keen on
doing Coney Island, now you're here
take things as you find EN-"
A badly-focused, fickering picture
was running on the screen in the
back. The place was -ank with the
odor of damp clothes and stale
drinks.
What's the matter?" glaring a,
Helen's untouched glass which she
had pushed aside with shrug of re-
vulsion.
Nothing. dear; I dop't want it,
that's all"
Not thirsty-or' you think it's not
clean" exasperatingly.
Helen's limp hat, stringy hair, and
wet skirts did not make for amiabil-
ity. and she answered rather sharply:
II don't want it! What difference
does it make why?"
Makes blamed lot! I'm dead tired
of your Internal squeamishness.
What's good enough for other people.
is good enough for you" ,
Just then a fy. balancing on the
edge of Helen's glass. slipped in. One
glance at the struggling insect, and
she showed back her chair.
I'll wait for you out front"
With snort of rage, Warren flung
some change on the table and follow
ed her. For once. Helen made no at
tempt at conciliation She plodded on
in defiant silence. her wet skirts
clinging to her ankles.
Stepping into a splashinr puddle,
Warren swore under his breath. BY
the time they reached the station, he
was in fuming rage.
One long train, crowded to the
doors, was just drawing out A wet,
ill-humored, pushing crowd was wait
ing for the next. When it finally pull
ed in, Helen was swept off her feet in
the mad rush for seats.
ooh, I'm afraid" as she lost her
hold on Warren's arm. Lets get
out"
1t was too late to get out. She
found herself wedged in the aisle be-
tween two rough-looking men. Where
was Warren She was terrified!
Some one from outside was pound
ing on the car window. She saw the
crooked handle of a cane as it beat
on the glass! Warren's cane, Then she
saw him on the platform, beckoning
wildly.
The guard was shouting "All
aboard" With frantic strength she
pushed and beat her way out-just
as the gates were closing.
Her hat crushed. her hair dishevel-
ed. she clung to him hysterica1ly.
"Not hurt, Kitteno That was a,
brute of a crowd! Swept you in ahead
of me- Come, we'll take a taxi-we'll
not risk that again"
1t was over ten miles to New York
and would be an extravagant trip,
Helen knew. But somehow just then
she did not care.
In the taxi. his arm around her,
Warren drew her to him.
THAT was pretty close shave. |
Kitten. Came near going home by our
lonesomes. eh? Oh, take off the old
hat"
Her hat off. she rested her cheek |
on his damp shoulder.
As thew sped home in the closed |
cab, the rain beating against the win
dows. Helen was throbbingly happy. |
She forgot the discomfort of her wet
shoes and skirts. She forgot. too.
Warren's unreasoning irritability OF
a few moments ago. 1t was enough to
be held close. to feel his arm about
her and hfs lips against her hair.
1t was moments like these that
Helen lived for 1t is not the monot-
onous level of the humdrum. it is the
thrilled moments Of some rare tender
ness that makes life worth while-at
Lea et for woman