The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1917-06-09

was still urging her to have something
cooling. AS she looked into his in
famed eyes she felt sure he had been
drinking. Oh, to get away from him
and out of that accursed hall! All
her faculties were strained to ac-
complish this quietly, without making
scene. II she could but make some
excuse to get rid of him for a moment
she could steal away ito the dressing
room, slip on her coat and hat and
find her way to the street. There
was no one here to whom she could
appeal-no one whom she could trust.
With calmness that amazed her
self she asked her escort to bring her
| a glass of lemonade.
Better come along" he said. Ito
the refreshment ROOM"
No, she answered, 81 prefer to
take it here"
He left her and went towards the
| refreshment room. Without a mo-
ment's hesitation Betty fastened to
the dressing-room, feverishly donned
| her hat and coat and quickly made
| her way out. 1t was moonlight night
4
and there were crowds pouring out
of the theatres and music halls. IT
gave her feeling of security and her
lips murmured prayer of thanksgiv-
| ing. Suddenly her quick ear caught
the sound of hurrying footsteps. while
a voice said, What's the hurry, little
girl? Why did you play me such a
| trick?"
Betty turned around and recognized
her partner of the dance. With an
unspoken prayer for Help she walked
on. pretending not to hear him, her
heart beating at a furious rate. Oh.
II she could only see friendly police
man to whom she could appeal for pro-
| lection! But not one was in sight.
She was afraid to make a scene, as
| the hour was late and she was alone.
| Her tormentor still persevered, urging
her to come back to the dance-hall.
Finally. becoming holder, he seized
her by the arm. 1t was too much.
With piercing scream Betty shook
him off, and fied-fied like one dis
! traught down the street. If she had
only waited a second she would have
seen her tormentor knocked down by
a strong arm and left sprawling in the
gutter. Then the owner of the strong
arm walked quickly after the little fly
ing figure.
Miss Larkin,' said a pleasant
voice, excuse Iny speaking to you
but I am Mary Dolans brother, or
rather one of them. I was just in the
nick of time to see that cad annoying
you"
| Betty turned round with a start
MARY Dolan's brother?" she echoed
facing him squarely. The eyes that
met hers treasured her. They were
Mary's eyes; their expression was the
same, and with quick glance Betty
noted that his hair was Milesian-reG
gold
'How did you know me?" she STAN
mered
Il was at the dance tonight Mary
!. asked me to drop in. / kept out O
sight, but knew you at once-I have
noticed you in church very often, bu
didn't know that you were my sis
ter's friend"
II Betty held out a slim hand, her fac'
crimsoning to the roots Of her hair
| and the young man grasped it warm
ly. Then they walked on together
the man tenderly protective, TIN
, young girl subdued and quiet. Arriv
ing at her home, Betty stood for
| mo in hn inh hnv,
misty with gratitude as she tried il
!. hating speech to thank him for hi
kindness. John Dolan thought he ha,
: never seen a sWeeter face. II an
, afraid she stammered, "you mus
think me very giddy girl, but hav
learned lesson tonight that will las
me lifetime. Oh, if had only takel
!, Mary's advice!" she sighed.
. Don't be too severe on yourself,
said Mary's brother, his strong fac
softening. Il was only glad to be 0
: the slightest service to you."
Betty looked up at him with shin
: ing eyes. Brown eyes and blue eye
!, met in one long glance-and the mis-
chief was done. The love that sui
wives storm and stress, the love CO.
: meant a man and maid to have, wa
r kindled
"They call me cyclone" said Mar
t when the engagement was announce
t a month later Il suppose it is be
cause am red-headed. But if an
| a cyclone, you two are whirlwinds
shall have to look out for anothe
], first lieutenant for my Catholic Girls
League, versus the Young Woman
! Christian Association"
:. Organize matrimonial league,
said John, smiling broadly, 'and tn
: girls will flock in thousands to tn
3 colors.'
e "A splendid idea" laughed happ
: Betty. Il believe, Mary, you'll be tn
: first to set a good example"
g 'I'll think it over" said Mary.