Detroit tribune. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1933-1933, 1933-12-23

AOOio AN&RNs EtffT ~ 49, ''F"Ntf
Take the next elevator" and their
voices droned on monotonously.
Clerks, floor walkers and others
greeted Lorraine with smiles even
though weary.
One clerk said in weak voice
to Lorraine, Merry Christmas?
What the heck. I'm nearly dead, -
and she patted Lorraine's shoulder
as they passed.
The old lady spoke obviously.
i guess they are worn out
Worn out, indeed they are, an
swered Lorraine as they stepped in
to waiting elevator.
The elevator descended swiftly
and Lorraine drew the old lady
close to her as she felt her trembl-
ms.
Il always hate 10 ride these
things, she quavered nervously.
"All over now, Lorraine answer
ed as they stepped out ana pushed
heir way to an exit. Rows Of
waiting taxi cabs stood at the
door.
Lorraine helped the old lady into
the first one. AS the driver closed
the door her patient called out.
merry Christmas nurse, and
don't let next Christmas catch you
unmarried.
The young cab driver chuckled
audibly as Lorraine laughed in con
fusion and hurried back into the
store. waving her hand at the de-
parting iaXi.
As she stepped back into the
brightly lighted store she almost
collidcd with one OF the clerks.
"Oh, Lorraine. was ust looking
for you. ust carried the sweetest
little colored baby up to the emcr--
gency. Looks 10 be about three
years old. Got lost from her parents
and she was crying herself into a
temperature"
WAS Frieda there" asked Lor-
rane.
"Yrs?" answered the clerk in dis
gust. But YOU must know how that
lanswer to an imps prayer is aud
she rushed away, calling before
getting out OF ear shot, that baby
is the cutest I've ever seen
Lorraine hurried for the elevator
for she knew we'll what the clerk
meant.
Freda hated to wait on Negroes.
Lorraine had, on many occasions,
.nceatcned TO report Frieda to Mr..
Miner for her snippish attitude to-
ward colored people, but Frieda
usually apologized and LORRAINE
would let IL pass. She disliked tn
dfeagreeable task OF tattling on hei
associates. IL would naturally
cause comment and blood is thicker
than water Many, no doubt, would
belize she had got Frieda discharg-
ed through spite.
Lorraine rushed from the elevat-
or and started for the emergency
room. AS she opened the door she
heard Frieda's voice. IL was seeth-
ing with hatred "Shut up, YOU
little black imp a resounding
smack followed. Lorraine quickly
rushed into the room. She stood
over Frieda, her face livid ith
rage. while the baby was writing
and shaking with conyulsivc sobs.
Frieda. white with fear, took re-
fugo against the WALL. When Lor-
raine spoke her voice was furious,
out cold as ice. Fricda, you're
through. This is the last straw.
ri report YOU to Mr.. Miner
Immediately"
NO doubt Mr. Miner will believe
anything YOU say and Frieda's
lips curled in sheer. III not
argue with YOU Frcida. you're not
worth il. Besides, everyone in this
tore knows you and what you
stand for over Frieda's face came
all the bottled up hatred Tor Lor-
taine and when she spoke, her voice
vas choked with its intensity.
And everyone knows what you
stand for. You and Mr.. Miner, with
ais talk of paying YOU FOR your
ather's service. It's just a stall and
'Lorraino's hand flew out. There
vas a scream from Frieda as she
Tell against the bed and rolled 10
the floor where she lay moaning
too frightened To move. Lorraine
stood over her fallen foe. breath
ing heavily with pent up anger.
Months and months Of Friela's in
science endure with good natured
contempt. The slurs on her race
gathered and /, lied like motion
lava. "Fr ida Seaborn. for months
I've put up with You. I've protected
and lied for YOU so you could keep
your position. Weeks ago ! could
nave had YOU fired. You seem TO
forget that I'm In charge of this
emergency room, you're low and
Lorraines voice filed with bitter
loathing. You're too contemplate
to breathe the same air with decent
people"
AS Frieda started torise. Lor.