The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1921-02-10
Dead Sea Fruit
BY FANNIE HURST
(Copyright.D

the great McChesney had failed herr
Now. McChesney may have had no
part In the workings of the solar sys-
TEN. or any possible surveillance over
the elements but 1t Is certain that the
grayness of the spring dusk ana Tue
chill which penetrated Delia's brown
Jacket when she stepped from the EN-
ployees' door of the biggest store were
traceable to that gentleman.
McChesney needs no introduction !
he looked like an imported opera TENOR
and sold shirts and gentlemens hose;
he wore knitted. flaring neckties whieh
represented wide and appreciative
feminine following.
His past was checkered with Deiias,
and his future promising; he was sug.
pestlye of musk, throat-tablets, and
bay rum.
So much for McChesney.
He had invited Della out to dinner,
and incidentally transformed her
world into an Eden of artificial palms
and table d'hote, an enchanted wood
fragrant with musk and bay rum.
But today McChesney had failed
her.
Late In the afternoon she saw him
talking with Malsie Tompkins, OF the
jewelry.
Della lived In New York in lower
West Side furnished room.
When Della reached her furnished
room the evening that McChesney had
sent her world tumbling about her the
usual atmosphere Of soaping clothes
and warming stew smote her with un-
usual pungency.
She lighted her one-fourth candle
power gas jet. Then she sat down on
the edge OF her couch-bed and stared
at herself In the dresser mirror.
No gentleman had ever taken her
out before.
There had been another. Charley
Spnggs. He had gone out of her life
when he left the hardware department
for the vague West, and his memory
and his promises were as dim as the
tintype on her dresser.
There came knock at her door.
Her lnndlady stood there.
"A gentleman downstairs, Miss Del
ly-Mr. Spuggs!"
TELL him I'll be down." she said.
She buttoned up her blouse and went
downstairs.
Charley Spuggs bounded up three
steps to meet her.
i've come back, Dellyi" he cried.
For whatY'
His elbow poked at her arm. habit
she recalled.
Fer you-Tm ready for you, honey"
he chuckled, and watched her face
for the effect of the bomb he had ex-
ploded.
I'm maxim eighteen a week now
second assistant foreman, and l got
a cottage rented fer US just two blocks
from the foundry-garden In front and
stationary washtubs-eh, Delly7 That
amt bad fer fellow like mer'
Della moistened her lips.
you're getting there, Charley" she
replied.
Eighteen per amt bad money" she
agreed.
He took her to Tables for Ladies"
lunch room.
"Plttsfleld's tank town, amt itT'
she asked suddenly.
ut amt, when you git used to It
you'll have grand time, Delly-there's
four rooms In the cottage. and sta
tionary washtubs. Amt got no more
hankering after this burg"
Charley took In a noisy mouthful
Of coffee.
well be something In Pittsfeld
all right, all right"
His sense of assurance and posses
sion frightened her.
"One room In New York beats ten
In Reub town." insisted Della.
He crumpled his paper napkin into
a tight wad.
What do you get out of New York,
I'd like to known
Il guess you're right" said Dolly
jabbing at the butter; Mt ain't no life"
Charley Spuggs leaned across the
table, and his nondescript face was
even mellow.
Were going to be married in the
morning and clear out on the twelve
thirty-you're going to be lady, honey
-four rooms and stationary tubs
They were out on the streets again.
Almost simultaneously, Della caught
glimpse Of McChemey. He was alone
and 1t gave her shock.
Then the human fux closed about
the gorgeous man, and belly felt
Charley's arm poking hers.
How about 1t, Della; is 1t the
twelve-thirty, tomorrow"
Yes" replied Della suddenly.
In the grimness Of the front hall
Charley printed a smacklng kiss on the
cheek she turned to him.
Good night. honey. Be ready be-
fore miner"
Then she closed the door after him
and went upstairs.
There was small box on her dres.
ser.
1t was one-pound box Of Chocolate
bonbons; underneath the lace paper