Page:The Female-Impersonators 1922 book scan.djvu/214

186 such trepidation: "You are in error. I am employed on 42d Street."

"Don't think I'm a fool! I'm so sure of meself that I'm goin' to hang 'round Wall Street till I run into you agin . And I'm sure comin' up to say 'Hoddo!' Sure I remember your sissie stride and, most of all, the way you stare at young fellers as if you were goin' to eat them up! I work on that street meself; elevator man in the Z — Buildin'. Me name is Tony Neddo. I'm not ashamed to let any one know who I am! But you! Do you know you've done an awful dirty, disgustin' thin' in comin' to the ball in a girl's rig? For this you'll have to pay dear! But if you know on which side your bread is buttered, no guy 'll ever be the wiser on account of what I've just found out.

"But get rid of your tremblin'! You needn't be 'fraid of me. I ain't the mean guy you think. When you meet me in my every-day clothes, you kin see for yourself. You'll see I'm a young feller of strong, pure manhood. You'll see I've the build of a pugilist. Whoever you are, Mr. Skirt, I know, from the diamonds in your harp, you're rich! On the other hand, I know I kin do for you far more than you kin for me. Any how, let's you and me be best friends? We'll part now, but you'll sure see me comin' up to you on Wall Street soon. Bye-bye, sweetheart!"

O Ralph-Jennie, the fellow was really cute as he took his departure. He captivated me by his goodhumored farewell. It dissipated all my depression. While I realized he would descend to chantage, I already perceived he possessed innumerable compensating characteristics. Every individual is derelict in