Page:Flaming Youth black on red.pdf/226

 222

FLAMING

YOUTH

husband and wife without any legal separation or any fuss of that sort. The house is big enough for two separate

lives.” “No house is,” denied the sapient Pat. “I don’t know rauch about marriage, but I know that much. It’s a fool arrangement.” “J thought it would be a clever sort of trial marriage. Trial marriage”—Dee gave a short and bitter laugh— “doesn’t work out so well after the ceremony. If a girl is going to experiment, she might better make her experiments before——— Oh, damn it, Pat! I don’t meanit. I think I’ve gone crazy mooning over this thing.” “What was wrong? Wouldn’t Jimmie keep to his part of the agreement?” “No.”

“Bum

sport,” pronounced Pat.

“And he knew you

wanted to quit?” V

eg,??

“Why

???

Dee’s body writhed under its loose covering.

“I can’t

explain.” “Has it got something to do with—with the other man?” “What other man?” It was not like direct Dee to fence, Pat reflected. She

persisted: “The one you told me about.” “T never told you about any man.” “Oh, well!

You talked about that thrill stuff.

2

“Don’t!” gasped Dee. “Y’m sorry,” said Pat in swift contrition. “Is it as bad as that? Then I suppose it is the angel-face on skates.” The hard lines melted out of Dee’s face. “Yes,” she whispered. She seemed to find relief in the admission,