Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1924-08-13
re FIGURED THE
COST OF THINGS
By ADA BORDEN STEVENS


living room to his host; let Inc have
ten bucks, will you? I've invited Peg
gy Davenport to the dance tonight
you are going, aren't you?" Bob asked
a little anXiouSly, for upon Dicks
plans depended free transportation.
Bob felt that no one could ask Peggy
to walk anywhere. Her dainty feet
seemed always shod for the steps of
rolling motors.
In his heart Bob wondered if he had
any right to ask a girl like that to
marry 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
That idea made Bob vince. He
hummed tune and went into the
dressing room to forget it.
Dick threw down his paper. I'm
going out for Susanna, and I'll pick
YOU up at Pegs on my way in," he
| called.
"Right-o!" came Bobs answer from
| the depths of the cloak closet.
The lights and gay music were ex-
| hilarating. Peggy, coming down the
| stairs in her coral gown looked like
| the incarnation of joy. Bobs heart
| swelled with pride. He was sure he
| had the best-loolling girl in the ROOM
CT
Peggy at last leaned against the
| wall.
Lets get out Of it awhile. Bob.
| Doesn't your head ache?'
Not so you'd notice it," cried Bob,
| cheerfully However he led the way
to the inclosed veranda.
| Peggy sank inc the rustic seat.
Fob, don't you ever get tired of all
this fuss?"
"rred-of what? What are you
giving us? You couldn't get through
week without one of these midnight
! parties"
Peggy laughed sarcastically, and
separated the silver feathers of he
fan as she retorted: "You aren't much
for the simple life yourself! None of
/ Dicks friends are"
Bob moved little nearer 'I'd like
to try it awhile-with you-Peg. Come
on! You said you were tired of this
let's get married | love you lot,
dear. We could take Dicks apartment
when he goes Abroad know he'd
let us have it-and we'd borrow"
hny. eiI.
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 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 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
1
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 it
was all right, old man.
! "Sure!" Bob tried to speak heart
| lily, but his sensitive face showed lines.
His mind was struggling with new
idea. "Pm going home myself. No.
| I'll walk, thank you-confound your
carl beg pardon, Dick. I'm going
| home"
| He strobe out with the look Of
man who has had bad news.
| The next night Bob was stamping
| on the lid of his trunk when Dick
came in. I'm getting out in half an
| hour, Dick" He tried to speak casual
ly. 1--WE an expressman coming-no.
| Say. Dick, l owe you LOTTERIES
| something on account. Take tive
let things slide too long. Help me to
get fresh start. won't you? I've
| lived like prince on your generosity
its carried me too far. Pm 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?
Here's the address"
Bob's room was comfortable enough
He 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"
mumbled Dick, fishing about his peck
cts. she's the real stuff. Peg Is, Re
spects man who buckles down to
business. Said she'd be home to-
night"
The significance of the tone spoke