The Kevin review. [volume] (Kevin, Mont.) 1922-1929, 1924-04-03
HE FIGURED THE
COST OF THINGS
By ADA BORDEN STEVENS

living room to his host; lie me nav
} ten bucks, will you? I've invited reg
gy Davenport to the dance tonight
you are going, aren't your Bob ASKED
a little %anxiously, for upon Dlck'
plans depended free transportation
Bob felt that no one could ask Peggy
to walk anywhere. Her dainty reel
seemed always shod for the steps OF
rolling motors. Z
In his heart Bob wondered if he haC
any right to ask a girl like thai 70
marry a struggling business man. He
looked over the edge Of his account
book at Dick, who handed him the ex-
pected ten. Great old Dick, to share
this apartment with him. The eX-
pense-but Dick was always ready to
lend. Dick, born to plenty, was the
sort of fellow Peg ought to marry I.
That idea made Bob vince. He
hummed a tune and went into the
dressing room to forget it.
Dick threw down his paper. I'm
going out for Susanna, and Tm pick
you up at Pegs on my way in," he
called.
"Right-o !" came Bob's answer from
the depths of the cloak closet.
The lights and gay music were ex-
%nilarating. Peggy, coming down the
stairs in her coral gown looked like
the incarnation of joy. Bob's heart
swelled with pride. He IA sure he
had the be~st-looking girl in the room.
They danced without stopping until
Peggy at last leaned against the
wall.
Let's get out of it awhile, Bob.
Doesn't your head ache?"
"Not so you'd notice it," cried Bob,
cheeIfully. However, he led the way
to the inclosed veranda.
Peggy sank into the rustic seat.
Bob, don't you ever get tired Of all
this fuss?"
'Tired-of what? What are you
giving US? You couldn't get through
a week without one of these midnight
parties"
Peggy laughed sarcastically, and
separated the silver feathers Of her
fan as she retorted: you aren't much
FOR the simple life yourselfl None of
Dicks friends are"
Bob moved a little nearer. I'D like
70 try it awhile-with you-Peg. Come
on! You said you were tired of this
let's get married! 1 love you a lot,
dear. We could take Dicks apartment
xuhnn ha rnoc ohrO,I I I-noxu ho.1
let us have it-and we'd borrow"
Peggy jumped to her little silver
feet. Yes Borrow borrow Dor
row! Bob, you give a girl the best
time in the world, and-anG-but, Bob,
I'd no more dare to marry you! Look
where we'd be! Don't I know we ride
In Dicks car? Don't you live in Dicks
house, and borrow his money-yOu-
YOU told me that, yourself! Bob,
you're a darling-but-I can't marry
just a hanger-on !" She sped sudden
ly, hiding her tears, and Bob was left
alone in the yellow circle Of the cheer
full shade.
He stood a moment dazed, then his
social instinct helped him find his way
to Susanna, whose dance it was. Be
tween the crashing worlds of his i'm
a~gination he followed the rhythm of
the music, and turned with relief to-
ward the courtroom at the end.
Dick came hurrying up. I'm
mighty sorry, Bob"-he spoke guard
edly-"Peggy begged me to take her
home-said you were engaged for this
dance, and her head ached. Hope 1t
was all right, old man!'
"Sure! !" Bob tried to speak heart
lily, but his sensitive face showed lines.
His mind was struggling with a new
idea. I'm going home myself. No.
I'll walk, thank you-confound your
Carl beg pardon, Dick. I'm going
He strobe out with the look of a
who has had bad news.
The next night Bob was stamping
on the lid of his trunk when Dick
in. I'm getting out in half an
hour, Dick" He tried to speak casual
ly. 'Ive an expressman c~oming-no.
Say, Dick, I wv you a lot-here's
something on account. Take tive
let things slide too long. Help me to
get a fresh start, won't you? I've
lived like a prince on your generosity
its carried me too far. I'm going
to straighten out accounts and prove
that I've got the gizzard to buck up
and stop borrowing! Come around to
smoke once in a while, will you?
the address,"
Bob's room was comfortable enough.
was beginning to add on the credit
side when Dick knocked on the door.
They Lit their pipes.
Got a letter from Peg for you"
numbled Dick, fishing about his peck
"She's the real stuff, Peg Is, Re
poets a man who buckles down to
business. Said she'd be home to-
light"
The significance of the tone spoke
Bob, hastily scanning the
ingle sheet, put on his coat and was
IaIf-way through the door. He stopped
~ @NA-I A.