Page:Minnie Flynn (1925).pdf/51

 I don't blame you for wantin' to give me the cold shoulder. I know that I'm a rotten dancer."

"One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Street!"

"Here we are! Come on, Billy! Don't sit there gapin' at the signs! Pick up your feet! Can't you look where you're goin'?"

He didn't answer until they were outside and stumbling down the long iron stairway. Then he ventured a protest, though a mild one: "Gee, Min, everybody gave me the horse laugh when you called me for not hurrying. Why a girl always wants to make a fool out of a fellow when he's crazy about her is more than I can understand. But she does. I've noticed lately that the fellows who get by and are shown any respect by girls are the ones that treat 'em like the devil."

"You just try it on me, Billy, and see what a surprise package you get!" And her laughter dinned in his ears until his face was suffused in a deep red glow.

They walked in silence until Minnie exclaimed, "My God, Billy, look at that!"

The Harlem Dance Hall on Second Avenue loomed up before them, its huge doorways festooned in red and blue electric lights. On the sidewalk a crowd of men, women and children pushed close to the swinging doors to catch a glimpse of the festivities within. When a new couple arrived, or when one of the bouncers came storming out, half dragging, half carrying a limp sodden figure which he dumped upon the sidewalk, the crowd sent up clamorous cries of laughter and applause. The swinging doors, opening and closing, disgorged a confusion of sounds, a sudden burst of pounding discordant music. It acted like whips upon the feet of the eager restless