Nancy flushed a little under the level gaze of the black, shallow eyes.
It wasnt altogether the money, Carrie, she explained. His friend caught him in a rank lie the other night at dinner. It was about some girl he said he hadnt been to the theater with. Well, I cant stand a liar. Put everything together I dont like him; and that settles it. When I sell out its not going to be on any bargain day. Ive got to have something that sits up in a chair like a man, anyhow. Yes, Im looking out for a catch; but its got to be able to do something more than make a noise like a toy bank.
The physiopathic ward[22] for yours! said the brown pompadour, walking away.
These high ideas, if not ideals Nancy continued to cultivate on $8. per week. She bivouacked on the trail of the great unknown catch, eating her dry bread and tightening her belt day by day. On her face was the faint, soldierly, sweet, grim smile of the preordained man-hunter. The store was her forest; and many times she raised her rifle at game that seemed broad-antlered and big; but always some deep unerring instinct perhaps of the huntress, perhaps of the woman made her hold her fire and take up the trail again.
Lou flourished in the laundry. Out of her $18.50 per week she paid $6. for her room and board. The rest went mainly for clothes. Her opportunities for bettering her taste and manners were few compared with Nancys. In the steaming laundry there was nothing but work, work and her thoughts of the evening pleasures to come. Many costly and showy fabrics passed under her iron; and it may be that her growing fondness for dress was thus transmitted to her through the conducting metal.
When the days work was over Dan awaited her outside, her faithful shadow in whatever light she stood.
Sometimes he cast an honest and troubled glance at Lous clothes that increased in conspicuity rather than in style; but this was no disloyalty; he deprecated the attention they called to her in the streets.
And Lou was no less faithful to her chum. There was a law that Nancy should go with them on whatsoever outings they might take. Dan bore the extra burden heartily and in good cheer. It might be said that Lou furnished the color, Nancy the tone, and Dan the weight of the distraction-seeking trio. The escort, in his neat but obviously ready-made suit, his ready-made tie and unfailing, genial, ready-made wit never startled or clashed. He was of that good kind that you are likely to forget while they are present, but remember distinctly after they are gone.
To Nancys superior taste the flavor of these ready-made pleasures was sometimes a little bitter: but she was young; and youth is a gourmand, when it cannot be a gourmet.
Dan is always wanting me to marry him right away, Lou told her once. But why should I? Im independent. I can do as I please with the money I earn; and he never would agree for me to keep on working afterward. And say, Nance, what do you want to stick to that old store for, and half starve and half dress yourself? I could get you a place in the laundry right now if youd come. It seems to me that you could afford to be a little less stuck-up if you could make a good deal more money.
I dont think Im stuck-up, Lou, said Nancy, but Id rather live on half rations and stay where I am. I suppose Ive got the habit. Its the chance that I want. I dont expect to be always behind a counter. Im learning something new every day. Im right up against refined and rich people all the time even if I do only wait on them; and Im not missing any pointers that I see passing around.
Caught your millionaire yet? asked Lou with her teasing laugh.
I havent selected one yet, answered Nancy. Ive been looking them over.
Goodness! the idea of picking over em! Dont you ever let one get by you Nance even if hes a few dollars shy. But of course youre joking millionaires dont think about working girls like us.
It might be better for them if they did, said Nancy, with cool wisdom. Some of us could teach them how to take care of their money.
If one was to speak to me, laughed Lou, I know Id have a duck-fit.
Thats because you dont know any. The only difference between swells and other people is you have to watch em closer. Dont you think that red silk lining is just a little bit too bright for that coat, Lou?
Thats because you dont know any. The only difference between swells and other people is you have to watch em closer. Dont you think that red silk lining is just a little bit too bright for that coat, Lou?
Lou looked at the plain, dull olive jacket of her friend.
Well, no I dont but it may seem so beside that faded-looking thing youve got on.
This jacket, said Nancy, complacently, has exactly the cut and fit of one that Mrs. Van Alstyne Fisher was wearing the other day. The material cost me $3.98. I suppose hers cost about $100. more.
Oh, well, said Lou lightly, it dont strike me as millionaire bait. Shouldnt wonder if I catch one before you do, anyway.
Truly it would have taken a philosopher to decide upon the values of the theories held by the two friends. Lou, lacking that certain pride and fastidiousness that keeps stores and desks filled with girls working for the barest living, thumped away gaily with her iron in the noisy and stifling laundry. Her wages supported her even beyond the point of comfort; so that her dress profited until sometimes she cast a sidelong glance of impatience at the neat but inelegant apparel of Dan Dan the constant, the immutable, the undeviating.