"Silly!" she whispered. "I like you and your dancing." "You're all right, little one!" he assured her. When they finally left the hall the lights were beginning to dim. The four of them went out into the quiet streets together. The street-cars had ceased to rattle except at long intervals. They walked in twos, arms interlaced, talking in subdued tones. A cool breeze had sprung up. At a corner drug store they partook of foamy soda-water and scooped, with long-handled spoons, refreshing mouthfuls of ice-cream from their glasses. Perched on high stools before an onyx fountain, they regarded themselves in the mirror and smiled at each other in the reflection. At Lulu's rooming-house they lingered again, talking in subdued tones on the brownstone stoop. "I'll call for you early to-morrow night, Miss Harkins; and, since we decided to make a party of it, me and Polly'll call for you and Miss Tracy together." "That'll be nice," she said. "I'm glad you have no other fellow--I don't like no partnership stuff." "I love Coney," she said. At last they separated, and the two girls tiptoed up to the terrific heat of their box. "Phew!" gasped Lilly. "Ain't this just awful?" Lulu lighted the gas and turned ecstatic eyes upon her friend. "Lil, I always did say you brought me luck when it came to fellers--I think I got him to-night, all right." "Oh, Loo, ain't I glad!" "Just feel my hand, Lil--how excited I am!" "I'm sure glad for you, dearie." "Glad! Girl, you don't know what I'd give to own a corner of my own, where I'd never have to see a glove no more!" She curled up on the bed, forgetful of everything but her own potential happiness. "He sure did everything but pop to-night. Come over here and kiss me, kid." They kissed. "My red kimono's on the top shelf--you undress first; just help yourself." She slumped deeper in bed. "I guess you didn't make some hit yourself to-night, _Miss_ Harkins--and I guess I didn't make some hit myself!" Lulu laughed immoderately. Lilly fingered the lace at her throat. "What's the matter? You ain't sore at the joke, are you, _Miss_ Harkins?" "No," replied Lilly; she spoke through a mental and physical nausea--a reaction which laid violent hold of and sickened her. Lulu loomed to her like a grotesque figure. The imprint of Mr. Sippy's farewell hand-shake was still moist in her own hand. "What time is it, Loo?" "Well, what do you know about that? It's ten after one! Gee! don't I wish to-morrow was Sunday? You gotta climb out early with me if you're goin' to that job." "One o'clock!" Lilly's voice caught in terror. "One o'clock! I can't beat Charley home no more now." "Whatta you mean? Ain't you goin' to stay here with me? You ain't quittin' now, are you--after all the trouble I went to to interdooce you to my gentlemen friends?" Lilly nodded. "You been awfully good, Loo; but I ain't got the nerve. I gotta go back to Charley."