Page:Nigger Heaven (1926).pdf/245

 But don't you have to try them on?

Oh, I'll do that at home. I can't be bothered taking my clothes off here. Nobody in that shop sufficiently interests me. Just a bunch of sissies!

You're wonderful! was all that it occurred to Byron to say.

She regarded him quizzically. Seems to me I've heard that before, somewhere, she remarked, and then, You're more cheerful now.

How did you know. . . ? he demanded in astonishment.

I ordered the car stopped a full thirty seconds before I called to you, and even so I had to call twice. You appeared to be extremely despondent, almost as if you had made up your mind to throw yourself into the lake.

I was despondent. I never thought of suicide before, but. ..

What's the trouble?

I've had a rotten deal all around. It's hell to be a Negro in this world.

She stared at him fixedly as if she were about to reply to this statement, but apparently she changed her mind. Presently she said, You dance well. I particularly remember your dancing.

So do you. I've thought of nothing else since. I've called you up. ..

So you told me. Let's dance together again. Ever go to the Winter Palace?

No. Can't afford it.