Page:Bad Girl (1929).pdf/120

 "Gee, Maude, you take the joy out of life."

"Ain't no joy in it, Kid. It's eating, drinking, working, Moving, suffering, and dying. Go see that doctor, Kid, and cheat the world of a baby that would damn near kill you in getting here."

Dot nodded amiably. At last Maude had said something intelligible. She wanted Dot to go to the doctor's. Well, of course, Dot would go; but the rest of her friend's tirade sounded pretty dizzy. It was unpleasant stuff, Dot could gather that much. All about not letting her child grow up and join the army. Well, if he wanted to join, Dot couldn't see how she was going to stop him; but she wouldn't argue that point with Maude right now.

She felt that she ought to go. A sudden detachment had claimed Maude. She gazed at her watch and gazed in the direction of the door behind which the negress lurked. The child had grown restless and fretful.

"Well, thanks a lot, Maude. I think I'll run along now."

Maude nodded as though that was also her feeling on the subject. Dot wormed her way into her coat and said good-by.

"I'll let you know how I make out," she said.

Maude did not follow her to the door. It seemed there was a law about moving the child from her lap. As Dot passed through the hall she encountered the negress, who was bearing a tray in the direction of her charge. There was a big bowl of carrots and potatoes, a glass of milk, a slice of bread and butter, a pat of Jello molded into an enticing little form, and three Nabiscos.

Just before she closed the door, Dot heard Maude's voice raised in a dulcet eulogy.

"Oh, Mommie's lamb, see the lovely carrots and the nice 'taters and afterwards if you eat everything there's Jello and crackers—"

Dot closed the door. She felt a little cold and wistful.