The Omaha morning bee. [volume] (Omaha [Neb.]) 1922-1927, 1922-07-01

Olive never thought anything
worth getting so upse, about; she
rather despised emotional people,
She had had another scene with Mr..
Green OF the ribbon department in
which he had threatened TO blow his
brains out.
Poor Mr.. GIesnl He could have
used no worse tactics with his
adored; she had merely laughed and
turned on her heel.
Olive finished her eigaret and de-
parted TO her own room. she invited
Violet to accompany her. but Violet
refused: she said she wanted TO be
alone.
We'll, so long as you don't mean
TO do anything silly" Olive objected.
She looked back at her friend from
the doorway.
Violet sa, pale and wan in chair;
her eyes were red and swollen; she
twisted the damp ball Of q screwed
up handkerchief in her hands; she
made no answer. and Olive shrugged
her shoulders and departed.
"Ill come down again soon," she
said.
When she had gone, Violet went
over TO the mirror: she smiled rue.
fully at her pitiful reflection; she
ba,hcd her face in cold water; then
she brushed her hair and dressed to
90 out.
In the hall she encountered Mrs.
Higgs.
"Oh, Miss H'Ingieby," said that
worthy. "Don't ZEE take on so now:
we'll get him back. you'll see, we'll
get him back"
Violet could not trust herself to
answer; she fairly ran into the street;
she had no clear idea in her head
as to where she was going, but her
thoughts were full OF Hastings-to
get to him, to tell him how she
hated him! When she turned the
corner OF the road she saw his green
painted car coming toward her. Hast
ings himself sat at the wheel.
He did not see her; the car glided
by and stopped outside Mrs. Higg's.
Violet saw him get out and run up
the steps to the door.
She raced back UP the street-she
felt like a fury; her heart hammered
in her throat; her hands were
clenched and she drew her breath in
great gasps.
Mrs. Higgs had just opened the
door when Violet reached it; she
heard Hastings ask for Miss In
gleby." and Mrs. Higg's. ejacula-
ton, Here she is herself, sir"
Hastings turned sharply; he came
eagerly down the steps; then her saw
her tear-stained face.
."Violetw
She waved him away, ignoring his
hand. Mrs. Higgs had
retreated to the kitchen; she had
steak frying on the fire for her best
lodger.
II wanted to see you," Violet
spoke without looking at him. Twill
you come in. if you don't mind; my
room is very poor. but, Of course, you
know that already"
Hastings began to speak, but
checked the words; he was a tact
full man; he followed her silently up
the three flights of stairs. He looked
around the poorly furnished room
with tender eyes.
$50 this is where my little girl
lives" he said.
Violet was standing, looking away
from him; she bit her lip till it bled
to keep her self-control; she felt all
broken and beaten.
Hastings was beside her i'll an in
slant.
Darling, what is the matter? Are
you angry with me? What have |
done? managed to get off tonight
after all and thought you would not
mind my coming around for you. l
have told my mother and she wants
me to bring you to see her. VioletV
She had freed herself from his arms;
she clutched at his coat with trem-
bling hands. "Give him back to me;
give him back to mel"
She was shaking al! over, sobbing
deep sobs that seemed to tear her
slender figure. Give him back to
me; give him back to me; you don't
love him like l do; you don't want
him like l do. III do anything for
you-anything-if you'll only let me
have him"
Hastings stared down at her with