The Pulaskian., 1915-02-19

she cud lay hands on. We'll, Mis- Null cahy, she see that grand trewsow and she said she never saw tn beat. Dressesi Well, her going-away suit alone comes to eighty dollars, for it's bein' made by Molkowsky, the little Polish tailor. An her weddin' dress is satin, do yuh mind! Oh, it was a real treat for my aunt, Mis- Null cahy."
 Birdie walked over to where Minnie Wenzel sat, very white and still, and pointed stubby. red finger in her face. Iris the grand manager ye are, Miss Wenzel, gettin' satins an tailor mades on yer salary. It takes woman, Minnie Wenzel, to see through a woman's thricks."
 'Well, ri be dinged!" exploded Jo Haley.
 "Yuhd better bel" retorted Birdie Callahan
 Minnie Wenzel stood up, her lip caught between her teeth.
 Am I to understand, Jo Haley, that you dare to accuse me of taking your filthy money, instead of that miser- able ex-con there who has done time?"
 'Thatfl do, Minnie,' said Jo Haley gently. That's a-plenty."
 Prove it, went on Minnie, and then looked as though she wished she hadn't
 "A business college edjication is grand, foine thing," observed Birdie. | ssMicc INor1al ic f.s They teach you everything from drawin' birds with tail feathers to plain and fancy penmanship. In fact, they teach everything in the writin' line except forgery, an I aint so sure they haven't eoorse in that"
 q don't care" whimpered Minnie Wenzel suddenly, sinking in limp heap on the floor. T had to do it. I'm marrying a swell fellow and a girls got to have some clothes that don't look like Bird Center dressmaker's work. He's got three sisters. l saw their pictures and they're coming to the wedding. They're the kind that wear low-necked dresses in the eve- ming, and have their hair and nails done down town. I haven't got thing but my looks. Could l go to New square, Jo, l worked here six years and never took a sou. But things got away from me. The tailor wouldn't finish my suit unless I paid him fifty dollars down. I only took fifty at first, intending to pay it back. Honest 1 to goodness, JO, 1 did"
 Cut it out" said Jo Haley, "and get up. I was going to give you check for your wedding, though I hadn't counted on no three hundred. We'll call it square. And I hope you'll be happy, but don't gamble on it. You'll be goin' through your mans pockets before you're married a year. You can take your hat and fade. I'd like to know how I'm ever going to square this thing with Ted and Birdie" An me standin' here gassin' while them fool girls in the dinin'-room can't set a table decent, and dinner in less than ten minutes, cried Birdie, rushing off. Ted mumbled something unintelligible and was after her.
 Birdie! I want to talk to you"
 Say it quick, then," said Birdie, over her shoulder. The doors open in three minutes"
 q cant tell you how grateful l am. This is no place to talk to you Will you let me walk home with you to- night after your works done?"
 "Will IF" said Birdie, turning to face him. q will not Tn swell mob has shook you, an good thing it is You was travelin' with a bunch of racers, when you was only built for medium speed. Now you're got your chance to a fresh start and don't you ever think Pm going to be the one to let you spoil it by beginnin' to walk out with a dinin'-room Lizzie like me-"
 Don't say that, Birdie," Ted put in.
 Its the truth" affirmed Birdie. Not that I ain't perfectly respect able girrul, and ye know it. I'm a good slob, but folks would be tickled for the chance to say that you had nobody to go with but the likes av me. If l was to let you walk homo with me tonight, yuh might be askin' to call next week. Inside half year, if yuh was lonesome enough, yuh'd ask me to marry yuh. And b'gorra," she said softly, looking down at her un- lovely, red hands, 'Tm dead scared I'd do it. Get back to work, Ted Ter Till, and hold yer head up high, and when yuh say your prayers tonight, thank your lucky stars I ain't hussy."