Page:Frank Owen - Woman Without Love (1949 reprint).djvu/102

 of the living room, reading a book. As usual she was wearing a dressing gown that was a mass of ribbons and ruffles:

Reba flew to her arms. "Save me, save me!" she cried hysterically.

"My, my," said Madame curdy, "what is the matter?" But she made no resistance as Reba rushed, to her arms.

"Oh, I don't know," she moaned. "I am so frightened."

"What have you been doing to her?" Madame wanted to know.

"Nothing," Ivan said innocently. "We were eating. I didn't do a thing. I admit I belched, but I couldn't help it. Nature is at fault for building me that way."

"You mean you haven't been to her room?"

"Not even to the threshold."

"Then what is the matter, child?" asked Madame Leota, stroking Reba's hair. "Why, Mr. Luigi here is one of the kindest of men. All the girls adore him. None of the boys are more considerate than he."

"And I'm liberal with tips," broke in the supposed Mr. Luigi.

"Please don't make me go with him," begged Reba.

"Of course I won't, dear. But it does seem to me that you're not suited to this work at all."

"I'm not. I guess I'd better die."

"I don't think you are any more suited to that work either," said Madame Leota drily. Madame turned to "Mr. Luigi." "S.R.O. sign is out," she said curtly. "You'll have to be satisfied with Lucille. She'll be more than glad to see you."

After the man had gone, Madame Leota ordered Terese to bring some toast and coffee and marmalade. As they ate, she talked soothingly to Reba.

"You haven't a thing to worry about," she assured her. "Tonight you will sleep right up here in my own apartment. No one will disturb you, for nobody is allowed up here. This is a sort of sanctuary."

Impulsively Reba threw her arms about Madame's neck and kissed her. That was a complete surprise to Louella. It gave her an odd and pleasant feeling. To hide her emotions she took a pinch of snuff.