Page:Tales of the Jazz Age.djvu/109

 You've seen him, of course," said Dean carelessly. "He's here to-night. I saw him just a minute ago."

Edith started. Yet she had felt quite sure he would be here.

"Why, no, I haven't&mdash;"

A fat man with red hair cut in.

"Hello, Edith," he began.

"Why&mdash;hello there&mdash;"

She slipped, stumbled lightly.

"I'm sorry, dear," she murmured mechanically.

She had seen Gordon&mdash;Gordon very white and listless, leaning against the side of a doorway, smoking, and looking into the ballroom. Edith could see that his face was thin and wan&mdash;that the hand he raised to his lips with a cigarette, was trembling. They were dancing quite close to him now.

"&mdash;They invite so darn many extra fellas that you&mdash;" the short man was saying.

"Hello, Gordon," called Edith over her partner's shoulder. Her heart was pounding wildly.

His large dark eyes were fixed on her. He took a step in her direction. Her partner turned her away&mdash;she heard his voice bleating&mdash;&mdash;

"&mdash;but half the stags get lit and leave before long, so&mdash;" Then a low tone at her side.

"May I, please?"

She was dancing suddenly with Gordon; one of his arms was around her; she felt it tighten spasmodically; felt his hand on her back with the fingers spread. Her hand holding the little lace handkerchief was crushed in his.

"Why Gordon," she began breathlessly.

"Hello, Edith."

She slipped again&mdash;was tossed forward by her recovery