Page:Strange Interlude (1928).djvu/130

124

[Still forced to justify himself—contritely]

I know it isn’t pleasant for you having me drag my work out here, trying to pound out rotten ads.

[With a short laugh]

Trying to is right!

[Blurts out]

I wouldn’t do it except that Cole gave me a warning to buck up—or get out.

[Stares at him, more annoyed, her eyes hardening, thinking]

Yes! he’ll always be losing one job, getting another, starting with a burst of confidence each time, then

[Cutting him with a careless sneering tone]

Well, it isn’t a job to worry much about losing, is it?

[Wincing pitiably]

No, not much money. But I used to think there was a fine chance to rise there—but of course that’s my fault, I haven’t made good—

[He finishes miserably]

somehow.

[Her antagonism giving way to remorseful pity]

What makes me so cruel? he’s so defenseless his mother’s baby  poor sick baby! poor Sam!

[She jumps to her feet and goes over to him]