chapter07
ChapterVII
Anorchestraofyellowsilkwomenandbald-headedmenonanelevatedstagenearthecentreofagreatgreen-huedhall，playedapopularwaltz。Theplacewascrowdedwithpeoplegroupedaboutlittletables。Abattalionofwaitersslidamongthethrong，carryingtraysofbeerglassesandmakingchangefromtheinexhaustiblevaultsoftheirtrouserspockets。Littleboys，inthecostumesofFrenchchefs，paradedupanddowntheirregularaislesvendingfancycakes。Therewasalowrumbleofconversationandasubduedclinkingofglasses。Cloudsoftobaccosmokerolledandwaveredhighinairaboutthedullgiltofthechandeliers。
Thevastcrowdhadanairthroughoutofhavingjustquittedlabor。Menwithcallousedhandsandattiredingarmentsthatshowedthewearofanendlesstrudgeforaliving，smokedtheirpipescontentedlyandspentfive，ten，orperhapsfifteencentsforbeer。Therewasameresprinklingofkid-glovedmenwhosmokedcigarspurchasedelsewhere。Thegreatbodyofthecrowdwascomposedofpeoplewhoshowedthatalldaytheystrovewiththeirhands。QuietGermans，withmaybetheirwivesandtwoorthreechildren，satlisteningtothemusic，withtheexpressionsofhappycows。Anoccasionalpartyofsailorsfromawar-ship，theirfacespicturesofsturdyhealth，spenttheearlierhoursoftheeveningatthesmallroundtables。Veryinfrequenttipsymen，swollenwiththevalueoftheiropinions，engagedtheircompanionsinearnestandconfidentialconversation。Inthebalcony，andhereandtherebelow，shonetheimpassivefacesofwomen。ThenationalitiesoftheBowerybeameduponthestagefromalldirections。
PeteaggressivelywalkedupasideaisleandtookseatswithMaggieatatablebeneaththebalcony。
"Twobeehs！"
Leaningbackheregardedwitheyesofsuperioritythescenebeforethem。ThisattitudeaffectedMaggiestrongly。Amanwhocouldregardsuchasightwithindifferencemustbeaccustomedtoverygreatthings。
ItwasobviousthatPetehadbeentothisplacemanytimesbefore，andwasveryfamiliarwithit。AknowledgeofthisfactmadeMaggiefeellittleandnew。
Hewasextremelygraciousandattentive。Hedisplayedtheconsiderationofaculturedgentlemanwhoknewwhatwasdue。
"Say，whatdehhell？Bringdehladyabigglass！Whatdehhelluseisdatpony？"
"Don’tbefresh，now，"saidthewaiter，withsomewarmth，ashedeparted。
"Ah，gitoffdeheart’，"saidPete，aftertheother’sretreatingform。
MaggieperceivedthatPetebroughtforthallhiseleganceandallhisknowledgeofhigh-classcustomsforherbenefit。Herheartwarmedasshereflecteduponhiscondescension。
Theorchestraofyellowsilkwomenandbald-headedmengaveventtoafewbarsofanticipatorymusicandagirl，inapinkdresswithshortskirts，gallopeduponthestage。Shesmileduponthethrongasifinacknowledgmentofawarmwelcome，andbegantowalktoandfro，makingprofusegesticulationsandsinging，inbrazensopranotones，asong，thewordsofwhichwereinaudible。
Whenshebrokeintotheswiftrattlingmeasuresofachorussomehalf-tipsymennearthestagejoinedintherollickingrefrainandglasseswerepoundedrhythmicallyuponthetables。Peopleleanedforwardtowatchherandtotrytocatchthewordsofthesong。
Whenshevanishedtherewerelongrollingsofapplause。
Obedienttomoreanticipatorybars，shereappearedamidstthehalf-suppressedcheeringofthetipsymen。Theorchestraplungedintodancemusicandthelacesofthedancerflutteredandflewintheglareofgasjets。Shedivulgedthefactthatshewasattiredinsomehalfdozenskirts。Itwaspatentthatanyoneofthemwouldhaveprovedadequateforthepurposeforwhichskirtsareintended。Anoccasionalmanbentforward，intentuponthepinkstockings。Maggiewonderedatthesplendorofthecostumeandlostherselfincalculationsofthecostofthesilksandlaces。
Thedancer’ssmileofstereotypedenthusiasmwasturnedfortenminutesuponthefacesofheraudience。Inthefinaleshefellintosomeofthosegrotesqueattitudeswhichwereatthetimepopularamongthedancersinthetheatresup-town，givingtotheBowerypublicthephantasiesofthearistocratictheatre-goingpublic，atreducedrates。
"Say，Pete，"saidMaggie，leaningforward，"disisgreat。"
"Sure，"saidPete，withpropercomplacence。
Aventriloquistfollowedthedancer。Heheldtwofantasticdollsonhisknees。HemadethemsingmournfuldittiesandsayfunnythingsaboutgeographyandIreland。
"Dodoselittlementalk？"askedMaggie。
"Naw，"saidPete，"it’ssomedamnfake。See？"
Twogirls，onthebillsassisters，cameforthandsangaduetthatisheardoccasionallyatconcertsgivenunderchurchauspices。
Theysupplementeditwithadancewhichofcoursecanneverbeseenatconcertsgivenunderchurchauspices。
Aftertheduettistshadretired，awomanofdebatableagesanganegromelody。Thechorusnecessitatedsomegrotesquewaddlingssupposedtobeanimitationofaplantationdarkey，undertheinfluence，probably，ofmusicandthemoon。Theaudiencewasjustenthusiasticenoughoverittohaveherreturnandsingasorrowfullay，whoselinestoldofamother’sloveandasweetheartwhowaitedandayoungmanwhowaslostatseaunderthemostharrowingcircumstances。Fromthefacesofascoreorsointhecrowd，theself-containedlookfaded。Manyheadswerebentforwardwitheagernessandsympathy。Asthelastdistressingsentimentofthepiecewasbroughtforth，itwasgreetedbythatkindofapplausewhichringsassincere。
Asafinaleffort，thesingerrenderedsomeverseswhichdescribedavisionofBritainbeingannihilatedbyAmerica，andIrelandburstingherbonds。Acarefullypreparedcrisiswasreachedinthelastlineofthelastverse，wherethesingerthrewoutherarmsandcried，"Thestar-spangledbanner。"Instantlyagreatcheerswelledfromthethroatsoftheassemblageofthemasses。Therewasaheavyrumbleofbootedfeetthumpingthefloor。Eyesgleamedwithsuddenfire，andcallousedhandswavedfranticallyintheair。
Afterafewmoments’rest，theorchestraplayedcrashingly，andasmallfatmanburstoutuponthestage。Hebegantoroarasongandstampbackandforthbeforethefoot-lights，wildlywavingaglossysilkhatandthrowingleers，orsmiles，broadcast。HemadehisfaceintofantasticgrimacesuntilhelookedlikeapictureddevilonaJapanesekite。Thecrowdlaughedgleefully。
Hisshort，fatlegswereneverstillamoment。Heshoutedandroaredandbobbedhisshockofredwiguntiltheaudiencebrokeoutinexcitedapplause。
Petedidnotpaymuchattentiontotheprogressofeventsuponthestage。HewasdrinkingbeerandwatchingMaggie。
Hercheekswereblushingwithexcitementandhereyeswereglistening。Shedrewdeepbreathsofpleasure。Nothoughtsoftheatmosphereofthecollarandcufffactorycametoher。
Whentheorchestracrashedfinally，theyjostledtheirwaytothesidewalkwiththecrowd。PetetookMaggie’sarmandpushedawayforher，offeringtofightwithamanortwo。
TheyreachedMaggie’shomeatalatehourandstoodforamomentinfrontofthegruesomedoorway。
"Say，Mag，"saidPete，"giveusakissfortakin’yehtehdehshow，willyer？"
Maggielaughed，asifstartled，anddrewawayfromhim。
"Naw，Pete，"shesaid，"datwasn’tinit。"
"Ah，whatdehhell？"urgedPete。
Thegirlretreatednervously。
"Ah，whatdehhell？"repeatedhe。
Maggiedartedintothehall，andupthestairs。Sheturnedandsmiledathim，thendisappeared。
Petewalkedslowlydownthestreet。Hehadsomethingofanastonishedexpressionuponhisfeatures。Hepausedunderalamp-
postandbreathedalowbreathofsurprise。
"Gawd，"hesaid，"IwonnerifI’vebeenplayedferaduffer。"
chapter08
ChapterVIII
AsthoughtsofPetecametoMaggie’smind，shebegantohaveanintensedislikeforallofherdresses。
"Whatdehhellailsyeh？Whatmakesyehbeallusfixin’andfussin’？GoodGawd，"hermotherwouldfrequentlyroarather。
Shebegantonote，withmoreinterest，thewell-dressedwomenshemetontheavenues。Sheenviedeleganceandsoftpalms。
Shecravedthoseadornmentsofpersonwhichshesaweverydayonthestreet，conceivingthemtobealliesofvastimportancetowomen。
Studyingfaces，shethoughtmanyofthewomenandgirlsshechancedtomeet，smiledwithserenityasthoughforevercherishedandwatchedoverbythosetheyloved。
Theairinthecollarandcuffestablishmentstrangledher。
Sheknewshewasgraduallyandsurelyshrivellinginthehot，stuffyroom。Thebegrimedwindowsrattledincessantlyfromthepassingofelevatedtrains。Theplacewasfilledwithawhirlofnoisesandodors。
Shewonderedassheregardedsomeofthegrizzledwomenintheroom，meremechanicalcontrivancessewingseamsandgrindingout，withheadsbendedovertheirwork，talesofimaginedorrealgirlhoodhappiness，pastdrunks，thebabyathome，andunpaidwages。
Shespeculatedhowlongheryouthwouldendure。Shebegantoseethebloomuponhercheeksasvaluable。
Sheimaginedherself，inanexasperatingfuture，asascrawnywomanwithaneternalgrievance。Too，shethoughtPetetobeaveryfastidiouspersonconcerningtheappearanceofwomen。
Shefeltshewouldlovetoseesomebodyentangletheirfingersintheoilybeardofthefatforeignerwhoownedtheestablishment。
Hewasadetestablecreature。Heworewhitesockswithlowshoes。
Whenhetiredofthisamusementhewouldgotothemummiesandmoralizeoverthem。
Usuallyhesubmittedwithsilentdignitytoallwhichhehadtogothrough，but，attimes，hewasgoadedintocomment。
"Whatdehhell，"hedemandedonce。"Lookatalldeselittlejugs！Hundredjugsinarow！Tenrowsinacasean’’boutat’ousandcases！Whatdehblazesuseisdem？"
Eveningsduringtheweekhetookhertoseeplaysinwhichthebrain-clutchingheroinewasrescuedfromthepalatialhomeofherguardian，whoiscruellyafterherbonds，bytheherowiththebeautifulsentiments。Thelatterspentmostofhistimeoutatsoakinpale-greensnowstorms，busywithanickel-platedrevolver，rescuingagedstrangersfromvillains。
Maggielostherselfinsympathywiththewanderersswooninginsnowstormsbeneathhappy-huedchurchwindows。Andachoirwithinsinging"JoytotheWorld。"ToMaggieandtherestoftheaudiencethiswastranscendentalrealism。Joyalwayswithin，andthey，liketheactor，inevitablywithout。Viewingit，theyhuggedthemselvesinecstaticpityoftheirimaginedorrealcondition。
Thegirlthoughtthearroganceandgranite-heartednessofthemagnateoftheplaywasveryaccuratelydrawn。Sheechoedthemaledictionsthattheoccupantsofthegalleryshoweredonthisindividualwhenhislinescompelledhimtoexposehisextremeselfishness。
Shadypersonsintheaudiencerevoltedfromthepicturedvillainyofthedrama。Withuntiringzealtheyhissedviceandapplaudedvirtue。Unmistakablybadmenevincedanapparentlysincereadmirationforvirtue。
Theloudgallerywasoverwhelminglywiththeunfortunateandtheoppressed。Theyencouragedthestrugglingherowithcries，andjeeredthevillain，hootingandcallingattentiontohiswhiskers。
Whenanybodydiedinthepale-greensnowstorms，thegallerymourned。
Theysoughtoutthepaintedmiseryandhuggeditasakin。
Inthehero’serraticmarchfrompovertyinthefirstact，towealthandtriumphinthefinalone，inwhichheforgivesalltheenemiesthathehasleft，hewasassistedbythegallery，whichapplaudedhisgenerousandnoblesentimentsandconfoundedthespeechesofhisopponentsbymakingirrelevantbutverysharpremarks。Thoseactorswhowerecursedwithvillainypartswereconfrontedateveryturnbythegallery。Ifoneofthemrenderedlinescontainingthemostsubtiledistinctionsbetweenrightandwrong，thegallerywasimmediatelyawareiftheactormeantwickedness，anddenouncedhimaccordingly。
Thelastactwasatriumphforthehero，poorandofthemasses，therepresentativeoftheaudience，overthevillainandtherichman，hispocketsstuffedwithbonds，hisheartpackedwithtyrannicalpurposes，imperturbableamidsuffering。
Maggiealwaysdepartedwithraisedspiritsfromtheshowingplacesofthemelodrama。Sherejoicedatthewayinwhichthepoorandvirtuouseventuallysurmountedthewealthyandwicked。Thetheatremadeherthink。Shewonderedifthecultureandrefinementshehadseenimitated，perhapsgrotesquely，bytheheroineonthestage，couldbeacquiredbyagirlwholivedinatenementhouseandworkedinashirtfactory。
chapter09
ChapterIX
Agroupofurchinswereintentuponthesidedoorofasaloon。
Expectancygleamedfromtheireyes。Theyweretwistingtheirfingersinexcitement。
"Hereshecomes，"yelledoneofthemsuddenly。
Thegroupofurchinsburstinstantlyasunderanditsindividualfragmentswerespreadinawide，respectablehalfcircleaboutthepointofinterest。Thesaloondooropenedwithacrash，andthefigureofawomanappeareduponthethreshold。Hergreyhairfellinknottedmassesabouthershoulders。Herfacewascrimsonedandwetwithperspiration。Hereyeshadarollingglare。
"Notadamncentmoreofmemoneywillyehseverget，notadamncent。
Ispentmemoneyherefert’reeyearsan’nowyehstellsmeyeh’llsellmenomorestuff！T’hellwidyeh，JohnnieMurckre！
’Disturbance’？
Disturbancebedamned！T’hellwidyeh，Johnnie——"
Thedoorreceivedakickofexasperationfromwithinandthewomanlurchedheavilyoutonthesidewalk。
Thegaminsinthehalf-circlebecameviolentlyagitated。
Theybegantodanceaboutandhootandyellandjeer。
Widedirtygrinsspreadovereachface。
Thewomanmadeafuriousdashataparticularlyoutrageousclusteroflittleboys。Theylaugheddelightedlyandscamperedoffashortdistance，callingoutovertheirshoulderstoher。Shestoodtotteringonthecurb-stoneandthunderedatthem。
"Yehdevil’skids，"shehowled，shakingredfists。Thelittleboyswhoopedinglee。Asshestartedupthestreettheyfellinbehindandmarcheduproariously。Occasionallyshewheeledaboutandmadechargesonthem。Theyrannimblyoutofreachandtauntedher。
Intheframeofagruesomedoorwayshestoodforamomentcursingthem。
Herhairstraggled，givinghercrimsonfeaturesalookofinsanity。
Hergreatfistsquiveredassheshookthemmadlyintheair。
Theurchinsmadeterrificnoisesuntilsheturnedanddisappeared。Thentheyfiledquietlyinthewaytheyhadcome。
Thewomanflounderedaboutinthelowerhallofthetenementhouseandfinallystumbledupthestairs。Onanupperhalladoorwasopenedandacollectionofheadspeeredcuriouslyout，watchingher。
Withawrathfulsnortthewomanconfrontedthedoor，butitwasslammedhastilyinherfaceandthekeywasturned。
Shestoodforafewminutes，deliveringafrenziedchallengeatthepanels。
"Comeoutindehhall，MaryMurphy，damnyeh，ifyehswantarow。
Comeahn，yehovergrownterrier，comeahn。"
Shebegantokickthedoorwithhergreatfeet。Sheshrillydefiedtheuniversetoappearanddobattle。Hercursingtreblesbroughtheadsfromalldoorssavetheoneshethreatened。Hereyesglaredineverydirection。Theairwasfullofhertossingfists。
"Comeahn，dehhulldamngangofyehs，comeahn，"sheroaredatthespectators。Anoathortwo，cat-calls，jeersandbitsoffacetiousadviceweregiveninreply。Missilesclatteredaboutherfeet。
"Whatdehhell’sdehmatterwidyeh？"saidavoiceinthegatheredgloom，andJimmiecameforward。Hecarriedatindinner-
pailinhishandandunderhisarmabrowntruckman’saprondoneinabundle。"Whatdehhell’swrong？"hedemanded。
"Comeout，allofyehs，comeout，"hismotherwashowling。
"Comeahnan’I’llstampherdamnbrainsundermefeet。"
"Shetyerface，an’comehome，yehdamnedoldfool，"roaredJimmieather。Shestrideduptohimandtwirledherfingersinhisface。Hereyesweredartingflamesofunreasoningrageandherframetrembledwitheagernessforafight。
"T’hellwidyehs！An’whodehhellareyehs？Iain’tgivin’
asnapofmefingersferyehs，"shebawledathim。Sheturnedherhugebackintremendousdisdainandclimbedthestairstothenextfloor。
Jimmiefollowed，cursingblackly。Atthetopoftheflightheseizedhismother’sarmandstartedtodraghertowardthedooroftheirroom。
"Comehome，damnyeh，"hegrittedbetweenhisteeth。
"Takeyerhandsoffme！Takeyerhandsoffme，"shriekedhismother。
Sheraisedherarmandwhirledhergreatfistatherson’sface。Jimmiedodgedhisheadandtheblowstruckhiminthebackoftheneck。"Damnyeh，"grittedheagain。Hethrewouthislefthandandwrithedhisfingersabouthermiddlearm。Themotherandthesonbegantoswayandstrugglelikegladiators。
"Whoop！"saidtheRumAlleytenementhouse。Thehallfilledwithinterestedspectators。
"Hi，ol’lady，datwasadandy！"
"T’reetooneondehred！"
"Ah，stopyerdamnscrappin’！"
ThedooroftheJohnsonhomeopenedandMaggielookedout。
Jimmiemadeasupremecursingeffortandhurledhismotherintotheroom。Hequicklyfollowedandclosedthedoor。
TheRumAlleytenementsworedisappointedlyandretired。
Themotherslowlygatheredherselfupfromthefloor。
Hereyesglitteredmenacinglyuponherchildren。
"Here，now，"saidJimmie，"we’vehadenoughofdis。Sitdown，an’don’makenotrouble。"
Hegraspedherarm，andtwistingit，forcedherintoacreakingchair。
"Keepyerhandsoffme，"roaredhismotheragain。
"Damnyerol’hide，"yelledJimmie，madly。Maggieshriekedandranintotheotherroom。Tohertherecamethesoundofastormofcrashesandcurses。TherewasagreatfinalthumpandJimmie’svoicecried："Dere，damnyeh，staystill。"Maggieopenedthedoornow，andwentwarilyout。"Oh，Jimmie。"
Hewasleaningagainstthewallandswearing。Bloodstooduponbruisesonhisknottyfore-armswheretheyhadscrapedagainstthefloororthewallsinthescuffle。Themotherlayscreechingonthefloor，thetearsrunningdownherfurrowedface。
Maggie，standinginthemiddleoftheroom，gazedabouther。
Theusualupheavalofthetablesandchairshadtakenplace。
Crockerywasstrewnbroadcastinfragments。Thestovehadbeendisturbedonitslegs，andnowleanedidioticallytooneside。
Apailhadbeenupsetandwaterspreadinalldirections。
ThedooropenedandPeteappeared。Heshruggedhisshoulders。
"Oh，Gawd，"heobserved。
HewalkedovertoMaggieandwhisperedinherear。"Ah，whatdehhell，Mag？Comeahnandwe’llhaveahellofatime。"
Themotherinthecorneruprearedherheadandshookhertangledlocks。
"Tehhellwidhimandyou，"shesaid，gloweringatherdaughterinthegloom。Hereyesseemedtoburnbalefully。
"Yeh’vegonetehdehdevil，MagJohnson，yehsknowsyehshavegonetehdehdevil。Yeradisgracetehyerpeople，damnyeh。An’now，gitoutan’goahnwiddatdoe-facedjudeofyours。Gotehhellwidhim，damnyeh，an’agoodriddance。Gotehhellan’seehowyehlikesit。"
Maggiegazedlongathermother。
"Gotehhellnow，an’seehowyehlikesit。Gitout。Iwon’thavesechasyehsinmehouse！Getout，d’yehhear！Damnyeh，gitout！"
Thegirlbegantotremble。
AtthisinstantPetecameforward。"Oh，whatdehhell，Mag，see，"
whisperedhesoftlyinherear。"Disallblowsover。See？
Dehol’
woman’illbeallrightindehmornin’。Comeahnoutwidme！
We’llhaveahellofatime。"
Thewomanonthefloorcursed。Jimmiewasintentuponhisbruisedfore-arms。Thegirlcastaglanceabouttheroomfilledwithachaoticmassofdebris，andatthered，writhingbodyofhermother。
"Gotehhellan’goodriddance。"
Shewent。
chapter10
ChapterX
Jimmiehadanideaitwasn’tcommoncourtesyforafriendtocometoone’shomeandruinone’ssister。ButhewasnotsurehowmuchPeteknewabouttherulesofpoliteness。
Thefollowingnighthereturnedhomefromworkatratheralatehourintheevening。Inpassingthroughthehallshecameuponthegnarledandleatheryoldwomanwhopossessedthemusicbox。Shewasgrinninginthedimlightthatdriftedthroughdust-
stainedpanes。Shebeckonedtohimwithasmudgedforefinger。
"Ah，Jimmie，whatdoyehst’inkIgotontolas’night。Itwasdehfunnies’t’ingIeversaw，"shecried，comingclosetohimandleering。Shewastremblingwitheagernesstotellhertale。
"I
wasbymedoorlas’nightwhenyersisterandherjudefellercameinlate，oh，verylate。An’she，thedear，shewasa-cryin’asifherheartwouldbreak，shewas。Itwasdehfunnies’t’ingIeversaw。An’rightoutherebymedoorsheaskedhimdidheloveher，didhe。An’shewasa-cryin’asifherheartwouldbreak，poort’ing。An’him，Icouldseebydehwaywhathesaiditdatshehadbeenaskin’orften，hesays：’Oh，hell，yes，’hesays，sayshe，’Oh，hell，yes。’"
Storm-cloudssweptoverJimmie’sface，butheturnedfromtheleatheryoldwomanandploddedonup-stairs。
"Oh，hell，yes，"calledsheafterhim。Shelaughedalaughthatwaslikeapropheticcroak。"’Oh，hell，yes，’hesays，sayshe，’Oh，hell，yes。’"
Therewasnooneinathome。Theroomsshowedthatattemptshadbeenmadeattidyingthem。Partsofthewreckageofthedaybeforehadbeenrepairedbyanunskilfulhand。Achairortwoandthetable，stooduncertainlyuponlegs。Thefloorhadbeennewlyswept。Too，theblueribbonshadbeenrestoredtothecurtains，andthelambrequin，withitsimmensesheavesofyellowwheatandredrosesofequalsize，hadbeenreturned，inawornandsorrystate，toitspositionatthemantel。Maggie’sjacketandhatweregonefromthenailbehindthedoor。
Jimmiewalkedtothewindowandbegantolookthroughtheblurredglass。Itoccurredtohimtovaguelywonder，foraninstant，ifsomeofthewomenofhisacquaintancehadbrothers。
Suddenly，however，hebegantoswear。
"Buthewasmefrien’！Ibrought’imhere！Dat’sdehhellofit！"
Hefumedabouttheroom，hisangergraduallyrisingtothefuriouspitch。
"I’llkilldehjay！Dat’swhatI’lldo！I’llkilldehjay！"
Heclutchedhishatandsprangtowardthedoor。Butitopenedandhismother’sgreatformblockedthepassage。
"Whatdehhell’sdehmatterwidyeh？"exclaimedshe，comingintotherooms。
Jimmiegaveventtoasardoniccurseandthenlaughedheavily。
"Well，Maggie’sgonetehdehdevil！Dat’swhat！See？"
"Eh？"saidhismother。
"Maggie’sgonetehdehdevil！Areyehsdeaf？"roaredJimmie，impatiently。
"Dehhellshehas，"murmuredthemother，astounded。
Jimmiegrunted，andthenbegantostareoutatthewindow。
Hismothersatdowninachair，butamomentlatersprangerectanddeliveredamaddenedwhirlofoaths。Hersonturnedtolookatherasshereeledandswayedinthemiddleoftheroom，herfiercefaceconvulsedwithpassion，herblotchedarmsraisedhighinimprecation。
"MayGawdcurseherforever，"sheshrieked。"Maysheeatnothin’butstonesanddehdirtindehstreet。Mayshesleepindehgutteran’neverseedehsunshineagin。Dehdamn——"
"Here，now，"saidherson。"Takeadroponyourself。"
Themotherraisedlamentingeyestotheceiling。
"She’sdehdevil’sownchil’，Jimmie，"shewhispered。"Ah，whowouldt’inksuchabadgirlcouldgrowupinourfambly，Jimmie，meson。ManydehhourI’vespentintalkwiddatgirlan’
tol’herifsheeverwentondehstreetsI’dseeherdamned。An’
afterallherbringin’upan’whatItol’herandtalkedwidher，shegoestehdehbad，likeaducktehwater。"
Thetearsrolleddownherfurrowedface。Herhandstrembled。
"An’denwhendatSadieMacMallisternextdoortouswassenttehdehdevilbydatfellerwhatworkedindehsoap-factory，didn’tItellourMagdatifshe——"
"Ah，dat’sannuderstory，"interruptedthebrother。"Ofcourse，datSadiewasnicean’alldat——but——see——itain’tdessameasif——well，Maggiewasdiff’ent——see——shewasdiff’ent。"
Hewastryingtoformulateatheorythathehadalwaysunconsciouslyheld，thatallsisters，exceptinghisown，couldadvisedlyberuined。
Hesuddenlybrokeoutagain。"I’llgot’umphelloutadehmugwhatdidherdehharm。I’llkill’im！Het’inkshekinscrap，butwhenhegitsmea-chasin’’imhe’llfin’outwherehe’swrong，dehdamnedduffer。I’llwipeupdehstreetwid’im。"
Inafuryheplungedoutofthedoorway。Ashevanishedthemotherraisedherheadandliftedbothhands，entreating。
"MayGawdcurseherforever，"shecried。
InthedarknessofthehallwayJimmiediscernedaknotofwomentalkingvolubly。Whenhestrodebytheypaidnoattentiontohim。
"Shealluswasaboldthing，"heheardoneofthemcryinaneagervoice。"Derewasn’tafellercometehdehhousebutshe’dtrytehmash’im。MyAnniesaysdehshamelesst’ingtriedtehketchherfeller，herownfeller，whatweuseterknowhisfader。"
"Icoulda’tol’yehsdistwoyearsago，"saidawoman，inakeyoftriumph。"Yessir，itwasovertwoyearsagodatIsaystehmyol’man，Isays，’DatJohnsongirlain’tstraight，’Isays。
’Oh，hell，’hesays。’Oh，hell。’’Dat’sallright，’Isays，’butIknowwhatIknows，’Isays，’an’it’illcomeoutlater。
Youwaitan’see，’Isays，’yousee。’"
"Anybodywhathadeyescouldseedatderewassomethin’wrongwiddatgirl。Ididn’tlikeheractions。"
OnthestreetJimmiemetafriend。"Whatdehhell？"askedthelatter。
Jimmieexplained。"An’I’llt’ump’imtillhecan’tstand。"
"Oh，whatdehhell，"saidthefriend。"What’sdehuse！
Yeh’llgitpulledin！Everybody’illbeontoit！An’tenplunks！
Gee！"
Jimmiewasdetermined。"Het’inkshekinscrap，buthe’llfin’outdiff’ent。"
"Gee，"remonstratedthefriend。"Whatdehhell？"
chapter11
ChapterXI
Onacorneraglass-frontedbuildingshedayellowglareuponthepavements。Theopenmouthofasalooncalledseductivelytopassengerstoenterandannihilatesorroworcreaterage。
Theinterioroftheplacewaspaperedinoliveandbronzetintsofimitationleather。Ashiningbarofcounterfeitmassivenessextendeddownthesideoftheroom。Behinditagreatmahogany-appearingsideboardreachedtheceiling。Uponitsshelvesrestedpyramidsofshimmeringglassesthatwereneverdisturbed。Mirrorssetinthefaceofthesideboardmultipliedthem。Lemons，orangesandpapernapkins，arrangedwithmathematicalprecision，satamongtheglasses。Many-hueddecantersofliquorperchedatregularintervalsonthelowershelves。
Anickel-platedcashregisteroccupiedapositionintheexactcentreofthegeneraleffect。Theelementarysensesofitallseemedtobeopulenceandgeometricalaccuracy。
Acrossfromthebarasmallercounterheldacollectionofplatesuponwhichswarmedfrayedfragmentsofcrackers，slicesofboiledham，dishevelledbitsofcheese，andpicklesswimminginvinegar。
Anodorofgrasping，begrimedhandsandmunchingmouthspervaded。
Pete，inawhitejacket，wasbehindthebarbendingexpectantlytowardaquietstranger。"Abeeh，"saidtheman。
Petedrewafoam-toppedglassfulandsetitdrippinguponthebar。
Atthismomentthelightbamboodoorsattheentranceswungopenandcrashedagainstthesiding。Jimmieandacompanionentered。TheyswaggeredunsteadilybutbelligerentlytowardthebarandlookedatPetewithblearedandblinkingeyes。
"Gin，"saidJimmie。
"Gin，"saidthecompanion。
Peteslidabottleandtwoglassesalongthebar。Hebendedhisheadsidewaysasheassiduouslypolishedawaywithanapkinatthegleamingwood。Hehadalookofwatchfulnessuponhisfeatures。
Jimmieandhiscompanionkepttheireyesuponthebartenderandconversedloudlyintonesofcontempt。
"He’sadindymasher，ain’the，byGawd？"laughedJimmie。
"Oh，hell，yes，"saidthecompanion，sneeringwidely。"He’sgreat，heis。Gitontodehmugondehblokie。Dat’senoughtomakeafellerturnhand-springsin’issleep。"
Thequietstrangermovedhimselfandhisglassatriflefurtherawayandmaintainedanattitudeofoblivion。
"Gee！ain’thehotstuff！"
"Gitontohisshape！GreatGawd！"
"Hey，"criedJimmie，intonesofcommand。Petecamealongslowly，withasullendroppingoftheunderlip。
"Well，"hegrowled，"what’seatin’yehs？"
"Gin，"saidJimmie。
"Gin，"saidthecompanion。
AsPeteconfrontedthemwiththebottleandtheglasses，theylaughedinhisface。Jimmie’scompanion，evidentlyovercomewithmerriment，pointedagrimyforefingerinPete’sdirection。
"Say，Jimmie，"demandedhe，"whatdehhellisdatbehinddehbar？"
"DamnedifIknows，"repliedJimmie。Theylaughedloudly。
Peteputdownabottlewithabangandturnedaformidablefacetowardthem。Hedisclosedhisteethandhisshouldersheavedrestlessly。
"Youfellerscan’tguyme，"hesaid。"Drinkyerstuffan’gitoutan’don’makenotrouble。"
Instantlythelaughterfadedfromthefacesofthetwomenandexpressionsofoffendeddignityimmediatelycame。
"Whodehhellhassaidanyt’ingtehyou，"criedtheyinthesamebreath。
Thequietstrangerlookedatthedoorcalculatingly。
"Ah，comeoff，"saidPetetothetwomen。"Don’tpickmeupfornojay。Drinkyerruman’gitoutan’don’makenotrouble。"
"Oh，dehhell，"airilycriedJimmie。
"Oh，dehhell，"airilyrepeatedhiscompanion。
"Wegoeswhenwegitready！See！"continuedJimmie。
"Well，"saidPeteinathreateningvoice，"don’makenotrouble。"
Jimmiesuddenlyleanedforwardwithhisheadononeside。
Hesnarledlikeawildanimal。
"Well，whatifwedoes？See？"saidhe。
DarkbloodflushedintoPete’sface，andheshotaluridglanceatJimmie。
"Well，denwe’llseewhosedehbes’man，youorme，"hesaid。
Thequietstrangermovedmodestlytowardthedoor。
Jimmiebegantoswellwithvalor。
"Don’pickmeupfernotenderfoot。Whenyehtacklesmeyehtacklesoneofdehbes’menindehcity。See？I’mascrapper，Iam。Ain’tdatright，Billie？"
"Sure，Mike，"respondedhiscompanionintonesofconviction。
"Oh，hell，"saidPete，easily。"Gofallonyerself。"
Thetwomenagainbegantolaugh。
"Whatdehhellisdattalkin’？"criedthecompanion。
"DamnedifIknows，"repliedJimmiewithexaggeratedcontempt。
Petemadeafuriousgesture。"Gitoutaherenow，an’don’makenotrouble。See？Yousefellerserlookin’ferascrapan’
it’sdamnlikelyyeh’llfin’oneifyehkeepsonshootin’offyermout’s。
Iknowyehs！See？Ikinlickbettermendanyehseversawinyerlifes。
Dat’sright！See？Don’pickmeupfernostufferyehmightbejoltedoutindehstreetbeforeyehknowswhereyehis。WhenIcomesfrombehinddisbar，It’rowsyehsboteintehdehstreet。See？"
"Oh，hell，"criedthetwomeninchorus。
TheglareofapanthercameintoPete’seyes。"Dat’swhatIsaid！
Unnerstan’？"
Hecamethroughapassageattheendofthebarandswelleddownuponthetwomen。Theysteppedpromptlyforwardandcrowdedclosetohim。
Theybristledlikethreeroosters。Theymovedtheirheadspugnaciouslyandkepttheirshouldersbraced。Thenervousmusclesabouteachmouthtwitchedwithaforcedsmileofmockery。
"Well，whatdehhellyergoin’tehdo？"grittedJimmie。
Petesteppedwarilyback，wavinghishandsbeforehimtokeepthemenfromcomingtoonear。
"Well，whatdehhellyergoin’tehdo？"repeatedJimmie’sally。
Theykeptclosetohim，tauntingandleering。Theystrovetomakehimattempttheinitialblow。
"Keepback，now！Don’crowdme，"ominouslysaidPete。
Againtheychorusedincontempt。"Oh，hell！"
Inasmall，tossinggroup，thethreemenedgedforpositionslikefrigatescontemplatingbattle。
"Well，whydehhelldon’yehtryteht’rowusout？"criedJimmieandhisallywithcopioussneers。
Thebraveryofbull-dogssatuponthefacesofthemen。
Theirclenchedfistsmovedlikeeagerweapons。
Thealliedtwojostledthebartender’selbows，glaringathimwithfeverisheyesandforcinghimtowardthewall。
SuddenlyPetesworeredly。Theflashofactiongleamedfromhiseyes。Hethrewbackhisarmandaimedatremendous，lightning-
likeblowatJimmie’sface。Hisfootswungastepforwardandtheweightofhisbodywasbehindhisfist。Jimmieduckedhishead，Bowery-like，withthequicknessofacat。Thefierce，answeringblowsofhimandhisallycrushedonPete’sbowedhead。
Thequietstrangervanished。
Thearmsofthecombatantswhirledintheairlikeflails。
Thefacesofthemen，atfirstflushedtoflame-coloredanger，nowbegantofadetothepallorofwarriorsinthebloodandheatofabattle。Theirlipscurledbackandstretchedtightlyoverthegumsinghoul-likegrins。Throughtheirwhite，grippedteethstruggledhoarsewhisperingsofoaths。Theireyesglitteredwithmurderousfire。
Eachheadwashuddledbetweenitsowner’sshoulders，andarmswereswingingwithmarvelousrapidity。Feetscrapedtoandfrowithaloudscratchingsounduponthesandedfloor。Blowsleftcrimsonblotchesuponpaleskin。Thecursesofthefirstquarterminuteofthefightdiedaway。Thebreathsofthefighterscamewheezinglyfromtheirlipsandthethreechestswerestrainingandheaving。Peteatintervalsgaveventtolow，laboredhisses，thatsoundedlikeadesiretokill。Jimmie’sallygibberedattimeslikeawoundedmaniac。Jimmiewassilent，fightingwiththefaceofasacrificialpriest。Therageoffearshoneinalltheireyesandtheirblood-coloredfistsswirled。
AtatotteringmomentablowfromPete’shandstrucktheallyandhecrashedtothefloor。Hewriggledinstantlytohisfeetandgraspingthequietstranger’sbeerglassfromthebar，hurleditatPete’shead。
Highonthewallitburstlikeabomb，shiveringfragmentsflyinginalldirections。Thenmissilescametoeveryman’shand。
Theplacehadheretoforeappearedfreeofthingstothrow，butsuddenlyglassandbottleswentsingingthroughtheair。Theywerethrownpointblankatbobbingheads。Thepyramidofshimmeringglasses，thathadneverbeendisturbed，changedtocascadesasheavybottleswereflungintothem。Mirrorssplinteredtonothing。
Thethreefrothingcreaturesonthefloorburiedthemselvesinafrenzyforblood。Therefollowedinthewakeofmissilesandfistssomeunknownprayers，perhapsfordeath。
Thequietstrangerhadsprawledverypyrotechnicallyoutonthesidewalk。Alaughranupanddowntheavenueforthehalfofablock。
"Dey’vetrowedablokeintehdehstreet。"
Peopleheardthesoundofbreakingglassandshufflingfeetwithinthesaloonandcamerunning。Asmallgroup，bendingdowntolookunderthebamboodoors，watchingthefallofglass，andthreepairsofviolentlegs，changedinamomenttoacrowd。
Apolicemancamechargingdownthesidewalkandbouncedthroughthedoorsintothesaloon。Thecrowdbendedandsurgedinabsorbinganxietytosee。
Jimmiecaughtfirstsightoftheon-cominginterruption。Onhisfeethehadthesameregardforapolicemanthat，whenonhistruck，hehadforafireengine。Hehowledandranforthesidedoor。
Theofficermadeaterrificadvance，clubinhand。OnecomprehensivesweepofthelongnightstickthrewtheallytothefloorandforcedPetetoacorner。WithhisdisengagedhandhemadeafuriouseffortatJimmie’scoat-tails。Thenheregainedhisbalanceandpaused。
"Well，well，youareapairofpictures。Whatinhellyehbeenupto？"
Jimmie，withhisfacedrenchedinblood，escapedupasidestreet，pursuedashortdistancebysomeofthemorelaw-loving，orexcitedindividualsofthecrowd。
Later，fromacornersafelydark，hesawthepoliceman，theallyandthebartenderemergefromthesaloon。Petelockedthedoorsandthenfolloweduptheavenueintherearofthecrowd-
encompassedpolicemanandhischarge。
OnfirstthoughtsJimmie，withhisheartthrobbingatbattleheat，startedtogodesperatelytotherescueofhisfriend，buthehalted。
"Ah，whatdehhell？"hedemandedofhimself。
chapter12
ChapterXII
InahallofirregularshapesatPeteandMaggiedrinkingbeer。Asubmissiveorchestradictatedtobyaspectacledmanwithfrowsyhairandadresssuit，industriouslyfollowedthebobsofhisheadandthewavesofhisbaton。Aballadsinger，inadressofflamingscarlet，sangintheinevitablevoiceofbrass。Whenshevanished，menseatedatthetablesnearthefrontapplaudedloudly，poundingthepolishedwoodwiththeirbeerglasses。Shereturnedattiredinlessgown，andsangagain。Shereceivedanotherenthusiasticencore。Shereappearedinstilllessgownanddanced。Thedeafeningrumbleofglassesandclappingofhandsthatfollowedherexitindicatedanoverwhelmingdesiretohavehercomeonforthefourthtime，butthecuriosityoftheaudiencewasnotgratified。
Maggiewaspale。Fromhereyeshadbeenpluckedalllookofself-reliance。Sheleanedwithadependentairtowardhercompanion。Shewastimid，asiffearinghisangerordispleasure。
Sheseemedtobeseechtendernessofhim。
Pete’sairofdistinguishedvalorhadgrownuponhimuntilitthreatenedstupendousdimensions。Hewasinfinitelygracioustothegirl。Itwasapparenttoherthathiscondescensionwasamarvel。
Hecouldappeartostrutevenwhilesittingstillandheshowedthathewasalionoflordlycharacteristicsbytheairwithwhichhespat。
WithMaggiegazingathimwonderingly，hetookprideincommandingthewaiterswhowere，however，indifferentordeaf。
"Hi，you，gitarussleonyehs！Whatdehhellyehslookin’at？
Twomorebeehs，d’yehhear？"
Heleanedbackandcriticallyregardedthepersonofagirlwithastraw-coloredwigwhouponthestagewasflingingherheelsinsomewhatawkwardimitationofawell-knowndanseuse。
AttimesMaggietoldPetelongconfidentialtalesofherformerhomelife，dwellingupontheescapadesoftheothermembersofthefamilyandthedifficultiesshehadtocombatinordertoobtainadegreeofcomfort。Herespondedintonesofphilanthropy。
Hepressedherarmwithanairofreassuringproprietorship。
"Deywasdamnjays，"hesaid，denouncingthemotherandbrother。
Thesoundofthemusicwhich，bytheeffortsofthefrowsy-
headedleader，driftedtoherearsthroughthesmoke-filledatmosphere，madethegirldream。ShethoughtofherformerRumAlleyenvironmentandturnedtoregardPete’sstrongprotectingfists。Shethoughtofthecollarandcuffmanufactoryandtheeternalmoanoftheproprietor："WhateenhelldoyousinkIpiefifedollaaweekfor？Play？No，pydamn。"ShecontemplatedPete’sman-subduingeyesandnotedthatwealthandprosperitywasindicatedbyhisclothes。Sheimaginedafuture，rose-tinted，becauseofitsdistancefromallthatshepreviouslyhadexperienced。
Astothepresentsheperceivedonlyvaguereasonstobemiserable。HerlifewasPete’sandsheconsideredhimworthyofthecharge。Shewouldbedisturbedbynoparticularapprehensions，solongasPeteadoredherashenowsaidhedid。Shedidnotfeellikeabadwoman。Toherknowledgeshehadneverseenanybetter。
Attimesmenatothertablesregardedthegirlfurtively。
Pete，awareofit，noddedatherandgrinned。Hefeltproud。
"Mag，yerabloomin’good-looker，"heremarked，studyingherfacethroughthehaze。ThemenmadeMaggiefear，butsheblushedatPete’swordsasitbecameapparenttoherthatshewastheappleofhiseye。
Grey-headedmen，wonderfullypatheticintheirdissipation，staredatherthroughclouds。Smooth-cheekedboys，someofthemwithfacesofstoneandmouthsofsin，notnearlysopatheticasthegreyheads，triedtofindthegirl’seyesinthesmokewreaths。
Maggieconsideredshewasnotwhattheythoughther。SheconfinedherglancestoPeteandthestage。
Theorchestraplayednegromelodiesandaversatiledrummerpounded，whacked，clatteredandscratchedonadozenmachinestomakenoise。
Thoseglancesofthemen，shotatMaggiefromunderhalf-closedlids，madehertremble。ShethoughtthemalltobeworsementhanPete。
"Come，let’sgo，"shesaid。
AstheywentoutMaggieperceivedtwowomenseatedatatablewithsomemen。Theywerepaintedandtheircheekshadlosttheirroundness。Asshepassedthemthegirl，withashrinkingmovement，drewbackherskirts。
chapter13
ChapterXIII
JimmiedidnotreturnhomeforanumberofdaysafterthefightwithPeteinthesaloon。Whenhedid，heapproachedwithextremecaution。
Hefoundhismotherraving。Maggiehadnotreturnedhome。
Theparentcontinuallywonderedhowherdaughtercouldcometosuchapass。ShehadneverconsideredMaggieasapearldroppedunstainedintoRumAlleyfromHeaven，butshecouldnotconceivehowitwaspossibleforherdaughtertofallsolowastobringdisgraceuponherfamily。Shewasterrificindenunciationofthegirl’swickedness。
Thefactthattheneighborstalkedofit，maddenedher。Whenwomencamein，andinthecourseoftheirconversationcasuallyasked，"Where’sMaggiedesedays？"themothershookherfuzzyheadatthemandappalledthemwithcurses。Cunninghintsinvitingconfidencesherebuffedwithviolence。
"An’widalldehbringin’upshehad，howcouldshe？"
moaninglysheaskedofherson。"Widalldehtalkin’widherI
didan’deht’ingsItol’hertoremember？WhenagirlisbringedupdehwayIbringedupMaggie，howkinshegotehdehdevil？"
Jimmiewastransfixedbythesequestions。Hecouldnotconceivehowunderthecircumstanceshismother’sdaughterandhissistercouldhavebeensowicked。
Hismothertookadrinkfromasqudgybottlethatsatonthetable。Shecontinuedherlament。
"Shehadabadheart，datgirldid，Jimmie。Shewaswickedtehdehheartan’weneverknowedit。"
Jimmienodded，admittingthefact。
"Welivedindehsamehousewidheran’Ibroughtherupan’
weneverknowedhowbadshewas。"
Jimmienoddedagain。
"Widahomelikedisan’amudderlikeme，shewenttehdehbad，"criedthemother，raisinghereyes。
Oneday，Jimmiecamehome，satdowninachairandbegantowriggleaboutwithanewandstrangenervousness。Atlasthespokeshamefacedly。
"Well，look-a-here，dist’ingqueersus！See？We’requeered！
An’maybeit’udbebetterifI——well，It’inkIkinlook’erupan’——maybeit’udbebetterifIfetchedherhomean’——"
Themotherstartedfromherchairandbrokeforthintoastormofpassionateanger。
"What！Let’ercomean’sleepunderdehsameroofwidhermudderagin！Oh，yes，Iwill，won’tI？Sure？Shameonyehs，JimmieJohnson，forsayin’suchat’ingtehyerownmudder——tehyerownmudder！LittledidIt’inkwhenyehswasababbyplayin’aboutmefeetdatye’dgrowuptehsaysechat’ingtehyermudder——yerownmudder。Inevertaut——"
Sobschokedherandinterruptedherreproaches。
"Dereain’tnottin’tehraisesechhellabout，"saidJimmie。
"Ion’ysaysit’udbebetterifwekeepdist’ingdark，see？
Itqueersus！See？"
Hismotherlaughedalaughthatseemedtoringthroughthecityandbeechoedandre-echoedbycountlessotherlaughs。
"Oh，yes，Iwill，won’tI！Sure！"
"Well，yehmusttakemeferadamnfool，"saidJimmie，indignantathismotherformockinghim。"Ididn’tsaywe’dmake’erintehalittletinangel，nernottin’，butdehwayitisnowshecanqueerus！Don’chesee？"
"Aye，she’llgittiredofdehlifeatterawhilean’denshe’llwannabea-comin’home，won’she，dehbeast！I’lllet’erinden，won’I？"
"Well，Ididn’meannoneofdisprod’galbus’nessanyway，"
explainedJimmie。
"Itwasn’tnoprod’galdauter，yehdamnfool，"saidthemother。"Itwasprod’galson，anyhow。"
"Iknowdat，"saidJimmie。
Foratimetheysatinsilence。Themother’seyesgloatedonasceneherimaginationcouldcallbeforeher。Herlipsweresetinavindictivesmile。
"Aye，she’llcry，won’she，an’carryon，an’tellhowPete，orsomeodderfeller，beats’eran’she’llsayshe’ssorryan’alldatan’sheain’thappy，sheain’t，an’shewantstocomehomeagin，shedoes。"
Withgrimhumor，themotherimitatedthepossiblewailingnotesofthedaughter’svoice。
"DenI’lltake’erin，won’tI，dehbeast。Shekincry’ertwoeyesoutondehstonesofdehstreetbeforeI’lldirtydehplacewidher。
Sheabusedan’ill-treatedherownmudder——herownmudderwhatlovedheran’she’llnevergitanodderchancedissideofhell。"
Jimmiethoughthehadagreatideaofwomen’sfrailty，buthecouldnotunderstandwhyanyofhiskinshouldbevictims。
"Damnher，"hefervidlysaid。
Againhewonderedvaguelyifsomeofthewomenofhisacquaintancehadbrothers。Nevertheless，hisminddidnotforaninstantconfusehimselfwiththosebrothersnorhissisterwiththeirs。
Afterthemotherhad，withgreatdifficulty，suppressedtheneighbors，shewentamongthemandproclaimedhergrief。
"MayGawdforgivedatgirl，"washercontinualcry。Toattentiveearssherecitedthewholelengthandbreadthofherwoes。
"Ibringed’erupdehwayadauteroughtabebringedupan’
disishowsheservedme！Shewenttehdehdevildehfirstchanceshegot！MayGawdforgiveher。"
Whenarrestedfordrunkennesssheusedthestoryofherdaughter’sdownfallwithtellingeffectuponthepolicejustices。
Finallyoneofthemsaidtoher，peeringdownoverhisspectacles：
"Mary，therecordsofthisandothercourtsshowthatyouarethemotherofforty-twodaughterswhohavebeenruined。Thecaseisunparalleledintheannalsofthiscourt，andthiscourtthinks——"
Themotherwentthroughlifesheddinglargetearsofsorrow。
Herredfacewasapictureofagony。
OfcourseJimmiepubliclydamnedhissisterthathemightappearonahighersocialplane。But，arguingwithhimself，stumblingaboutinwaysthatheknewnot，he，once，almostcametoaconclusionthathissisterwouldhavebeenmorefirmlygoodhadshebetterknownwhy。However，hefeltthathecouldnotholdsuchaview。Hethrewithastilyaside。
chapter14
ChapterXIV
Inahilarioushallthereweretwenty-eighttablesandtwenty-
eightwomenandacrowdofsmokingmen。Valiantnoisewasmadeonastageattheendofthehallbyanorchestracomposedofmenwholookedasiftheyhadjusthappenedin。Soiledwaitersrantoandfro，swoopingdownlikehawksontheunwaryinthethrong；
clatteringalongtheaisleswithtrayscoveredwithglasses；
stumblingoverwomen’sskirtsandchargingtwopricesforeverythingbutbeer，allwithaswiftnessthatblurredtheviewofthecocoanutpalmsanddustymonstrositiespainteduponthewallsoftheroom。Abouncer，withanimmenseloadofbusinessuponhishands，plungedaboutinthecrowd，draggingbashfulstrangerstoprominentchairs，orderingwaitershereandthereandquarrelingfuriouslywithmenwhowantedtosingwiththeorchestra。
Theusualsmokecloudwaspresent，butsodensethatheadsandarmsseemedentangledinit。Therumbleofconversationwasreplacedbyaroar。Plenteousoathsheavedthroughtheair。
Theroomrangwiththeshrillvoicesofwomenbubblingo’erwithdrink-laughter。Thechiefelementinthemusicoftheorchestrawasspeed。Themusiciansplayedinintentfury。Awomanwassingingandsmilinguponthestage，butnoonetooknoticeofher。
Therateatwhichthepiano，cornetandviolinsweregoing，seemedtoimpartwildnesstothehalf-drunkencrowd。Beerglasseswereemptiedatagulpandconversationbecamearapidchatter。
Thesmokeeddiedandswirledlikeashadowyriverhurryingtowardsomeunseenfalls。PeteandMaggieenteredthehallandtookchairsatatablenearthedoor。ThewomanwhowasseatedtheremadeanattempttooccupyPete’sattentionand，failing，wentaway。
Threeweekshadpassedsincethegirlhadlefthome。Theairofspaniel-likedependencehadbeenmagnifiedandshoweditsdirecteffectinthepeculiaroff-handednessandeaseofPete’swaystowardher。
ShefollowedPete’seyeswithhers，anticipatingwithsmilesgraciouslooksfromhim。
Awomanofbrillianceandaudacity，accompaniedbyamereboy，cameintotheplaceandtookseatsnearthem。
AtoncePetesprangtohisfeet，hisfacebeamingwithgladsurprise。
"ByGawd，there’sNellie，"hecried。
Hewentovertothetableandheldoutaneagerhandtothewoman。
"Why，hello，Pete，meboy，howareyou，"saidshe，givinghimherfingers。
Maggietookinstantnoteofthewoman。Sheperceivedthatherblackdressfittedhertoperfection。Herlinencollarandcuffswerespotless。Tangloveswerestretchedoverherwell-shapedhands。Ahatofaprevailingfashionperchedjauntilyuponherdarkhair。Sheworenojewelryandwaspaintedwithnoapparentpaint。Shelookedclear-eyedthroughthestaresofthemen。
"Sitdown，andcallyourlady-friendover，"shesaidcordiallytoPete。
AthisbeckoningMaggiecameandsatbetweenPeteandthemereboy。
"Ithoughtyehweregoneawayfergood，"beganPete，atonce。
"Whendidyehgitback？HowdiddatBuff’lobus’nessturnout？"
Thewomanshruggedhershoulders。"Well，hedidn’thaveasmanystampsashetriedtomakeout，soIshookhim，that’sall。"
"Well，I’mgladtehseeyehsbackindehcity，"saidPete，withawkwardgallantry。
Heandthewomanenteredintoalongconversation，exchangingreminiscencesofdaystogether。Maggiesatstill，unabletoformulateanintelligentsentenceupontheconversationandpainfullyawareofit。
ShesawPete’seyessparkleashegazeduponthehandsomestranger。Helistenedsmilinglytoallshesaid。Thewomanwasfamiliarwithallhisaffairs，askedhimaboutmutualfriends，andknewtheamountofhissalary。
ShepaidnoattentiontoMaggie，lookingtowardheronceortwiceandapparentlyseeingthewallbeyond。
Themereboywassulky。Inthebeginninghehadwelcomedwithacclamationstheadditions。
"Let’sallhaveadrink！What’llyoutake，Nell？Andyou，Misswhat’s-your-name。Haveadrink，Mr。————-，you，Imean。"
Hehadshownasprightlydesiretodothetalkingforthecompanyandtellallabouthisfamily。Inaloudvoicehedeclaimedonvarioustopics。HeassumedapatronizingairtowardPete。
AsMaggiewassilent，hepaidnoattentiontoher。Hemadeagreatshowoflavishingwealthuponthewomanofbrillianceandaudacity。
"Dokeepstill，Freddie！Yougibberlikeanape，dear，"saidthewomantohim。SheturnedawayanddevotedherattentiontoPete。
"We’llhavemanyagoodtimetogetheragain，eh？"
"Sure，Mike，"saidPete，enthusiasticatonce。
"Say，"whisperedshe，leaningforward，"let’sgoovertoBillie’sandhaveaheluvatime。"
"Well，it’sdisway！See？"saidPete。Igotdisladyfrien’
here。"
"Oh，t’hellwithher，"arguedthewoman。
Peteappeareddisturbed。
"Allright，"saidshe，noddingherheadathim。"Allrightforyou！
We’llseethenexttimeyouaskmetogoanywhereswithyou。"
Petesquirmed。
"Say，"hesaid，beseechingly，"comewidmeaminitan’I’lltellyerwhy。"
Thewomanwavedherhand。
"Oh，that’sallright，youneedn’texplain，youknow。Youwouldn’tcomemerelybecauseyouwouldn’tcome，that’sallthereisofit。"
ToPete’svisibledistresssheturnedtothemereboy，bringinghimspeedilyfromaterrificrage。HehadbeendebatingwhetheritwouldbethepartofamantopickaquarrelwithPete，orwouldhebejustifiedinstrikinghimsavagelywithhisbeerglasswithoutwarning。Butherecoveredhimselfwhenthewomanturnedtorenewhersmilings。Hebeameduponherwithanexpressionthatwassomewhattipsyandinexpressiblytender。
"Say，shakethatBoweryjay，"requestedhe，inaloudwhisper。
"Freddie，youaresodroll，"shereplied。
Petereachedforwardandtouchedthewomanonthearm。
"ComeoutaminitwhileItellsyehwhyIcan’tgowidyer。
Yerdoin’medirt，Nell！Inevertautye’ddomedirt，Nell。
Comeon，willyer？"Hespokeintonesofinjury。
"Why，Idon’tseewhyIshouldbeinterestedinyourexplanations，"saidthewoman，withacoldnessthatseemedtoreducePetetoapulp。
Hiseyespleadedwithher。"ComeoutaminitwhileItellsyeh。"
ThewomannoddedslightlyatMaggieandthemereboy，"’Scuseme。"
ThemereboyinterruptedhislovingsmileandturnedashrivellingglareuponPete。Hisboyishcountenanceflushedandhespoke，inawhine，tothewoman：
"Oh，Isay，Nellie，thisain’tasquaredeal，youknow。Youaren’tgoin’toleavemeandgooffwiththatduffer，areyou？Ishouldthink——"
"Why，youdearboy，ofcourseI’mnot，"criedthewoman，affectionately。Shebendedoverandwhisperedinhisear。
Hesmiledagainandsettledinhischairasifresolvedtowaitpatiently。
Asthewomanwalkeddownbetweentherowsoftables，Petewasathershouldertalkingearnestly，apparentlyinexplanation。
Thewomanwavedherhandswithstudiedairsofindifference。
Thedoorsswungbehindthem，leavingMaggieandthemereboyseatedatthetable。
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