Page:Minnie Flynn (1925).pdf/163

 This was the first time Minnie had actually come in contact with a woman whose man had beaten her. There came over her a strange, inexplicable desire to talk about it, to probe deep into the other woman's emotions, and enjoy them vicariously.

"Don't tell me Pete didn't do it, Elsie, because I know you're lyin' about it. Pete told me so himself—he was awful sorry he done it"

"Oh, Minnie," and the guileless Elsie fell into the trap. "I didn't want to give it away. Even your own mother ain't on to it"

"It's a dead secret with me, Elsie, so you needn't worry about it. I cross my heart to die. . . . Why did he do it?"

"I don't even remember, Minnie, but he was so terrible sorry for it he"

"Did you cry out, Elsie, or did you just stand there and take it all? Did he hurt you very much?"

"Somethin' fierce, Minnie. Once he hit me so hard I screamed—and fell down on the floor"

Minnie leaned closer to Elsie; her whisper was almost inaudible. "Wasn't your heart poundin' somethin' terrible?"

"Yeh, I couldn't speak—I laid there in Pete's arms with him cryin' over me and it seemed as if I was floatin' through space—what with the awful pain I was in and the way Pete was kissin' me"

With unsteady footsteps Minnie walked over to the bed and sank down, gripping the foot-board with taut, trembling fingers. "I don't think Billy'll ever beat me," she said after a strained silence. "I don't think I am ever goin' to get much of a kick outa Billy MacNally."

"Love is a wonderful thing," sighed Elsie, who had now chosen the rocking chair and was rocking back and forth. "I'd rather be dead than live without him."