Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-06-14

She looked down at her little silver wrist
watch which was also Jimmy's gift. It was
z o'clock.
"Are you coming with me?" Mr.. Kingman
asked. II think a long ride viii do me more
good than anything.
Still here was a man that it didn't seem safe
to leave alone Shed have to go with him.
Besides he was Mr.. Kingman One just did
what he wanted one to do because he was big
and handsome ard masterful. Shed have to
explain to Ma and get her to explain to Jimmy.
She thought of her pretty new blue dress
hanging in her closet, but somehow missing the
party didn't seem SO bad. Being with Mr..
Kingman was such a thrilling adventure.
Would you mind sitting down just a mo-
ment?" Stacia asked II have to explain to
my mother. Then I'll go with YOU
Ma was good and mad as Stacia knew she
would be.
whats the matter? Isn't your house good
enough for him to eat IMP" Ma demanded ST
never heard such nerve and I think you're
crazy running out with him when you have q
date with Jimmy. Suppose he is your boss?
He only pays you $l8 week. You can get that
anywhere. I'd tell him to go sit on a tack if
I was you. Look at that chocolate cake.
Sixty-five cents. Now who's going to eat h?"
Ma might have gone on for an hour only
just then the bell rang. Stacia few gratefully
to the door. Perhaps it a neighbor to
whom Ma could transfer her tail Of woe.
But it was Jimmy. Jimmy with brand-new
haircut and all spruced up in his best suit
and looking very nice indeed.
"Oh, hello, Jimmy, said Stacia
Hello, Stacia didn't have anything to do
SO thought I'd sit around with Ma while
you were getting ready. How's tricks?"
Stacia pushed him gently back into the hall
as he made ready to enter. He looked at her
in hurt surprise as she closed the door behind
her and faced him the landing.
Jimmy, can't go with you tonight"
She told him about the lavender limousine
and Mfr. Kingman's upset condition. She
watched his face for a spark of pity to appear,
but it remained hard and unconvinced.
well, you didn't break him up Why do you
have to nurse him?'
Because I'm the only one handy. Don't you
see Jimmy. he's fighting shy of the people
he and she knew together
oh bunk He's throwing fits in front of
some one who never saw him throw them
before. Probably his gang has heard him talk
suicide so often that they don't take him
serious, so he's using you for an appreciative
audience Let me talk to this egg.
"Oh no, Jimmy"
"Well, then, go tell him yourself that you're
taken for the night and go get dressed"
ct can't. Don't you see? He needs me-"
ooh he does?" -Jimnny's young mouth grew
thin and hard. Then let him take you and
keep you" .-s.e..s -
well, Jimmy, you needn't be so mean about
it." 1a~
mo? Let me tell you something. My sis
ter,s giving a party to all the fellows and girls
know. Won't look sweet going down there
and saying that you picked this night to go
galavanting with guy who hasaaa lavender
limousine to offer you? don't care, though.
Go ahead. It's better for me to ksow now
that you're one to fail for anything than for
me to find it out later on"
ooh, Jimmy, L"
But he was running down the stairs and
she heard the front door slam. She felt heavy
hearted for a second, but remembering his un-
lust accusations cheered her a little He was