Page:Nigger Heaven (1926).pdf/278

 I know it, Byron admitted. I'm not. So don't you think it's just as well to let things stand as they are?

Personally, I certainly do think so, Adora averred. As a matter of fact, I advised her to marry Randolph Pettijohn.

The Bolito King!

Himself.

Why, you wouldn't want her to marry a man like that, would you?

Rather any man than a poor thing like you! Her voice was harsh. Rannie's self-made. He's a rough diamond. He isn't educated, but at least he's good and kind. He's a man, she affirmed. He would have made her a good husband. I told her so. She couldn't see it. She turned him down the day she met you.

The day. ..

Yes, at my house on Long Island, and I've always thought you were the reason she turned him down.

That isn't possible. I scarcely saw her that day.

I don't care. I believe it was the reason. Do you know anything about Mary? She's always been noted for her coldness towards men. Then you come along and she reacts like a volcano that has smouldered for years and unexpectedly begins to toss hot rocks into the air. . . . It doesn't seem to me that you are particularly unusual or desirable. Oh, you're good-looking enough, but just a ft, after all. Nevertheless, Mary wants you. She al-