Page:Minnie Flynn (1925).pdf/46

 Minnie's laughter echoed down the deserted street. "Billy," she said, "you sure talk like you was a hick. First thing you know you'll be wantin' to give up the butcher business and go to raisin '  animals. I'd be a swell nurse-maid to a lot of cows and pigs, now wouldn't I, Billy?"

"Aw, Minnie, you got a way of makin' fun of a fellow every time he gets serious."

As usual Minnie answered, "Well, Billy, if you don't like it you know what you can do," and closed the door upon him. "Good night!" she called from the hallway, "and good-by. If I let you, you'd keep me up all night."

Billy stared at the closed door for several seconds. He beat his hands together nervously, then cleared his throat to call out to her. He stopped short, turned his head quickly and saw two people walking down the street. In a few moments they would pass him. His desire to protect Minnie conquered his longing to hold her once more in his arms so he turned and walked hurriedly down the street.

Minnie heard the retreating footsteps. So he had dared leave her without that last apology! Perhaps he was only fooling her. She opened the door cautiously and peeked out. Billy had crossed the street and was hurrying along without looking back. On the sidewalk she heard a shuffle of feet, low mumbling voices, then two people blocked the entrance way. Minnie closed the door. She heard Pete's voice saying: "S' nice of you, Elsie, to see me home. Damn nice, I say. Damn nice girl!"

Minnie drew in her breath sharply and her eyes widened. Elsie Bicker and Pete! Cautiously she opened the door. She was curious to know why these two were together because Pete always cursed at the mention of Elsie's name and so far as Minnie knew, Pete had never given her any encouragement.