Page:The Star in the Window.pdf/105

Rh out this way to meet him—nobody knowing—nobody in all the world knowing!

Her feet made a merry little clap-clap on the asphalt pavement as she tripped along. She wasn't going to stand in a dark corner, and just watch the Italian. He was actually going to speak to her—greet her to-night—take her with him! She was a little tremulous by the time she saw the bright red and yellow electric lights of the Garden Theater bobbing at her a block away. She had not been out on the city streets at night before. She hoped she wouldn't have long to wait under the glaring lights. She hoped he would come soon. Was it the Garden Theater, he said, after all? What if (he had spoken so hastily, mentioned the meeting-place just once) what if she had misunderstood? And just where should she stand to wait for him? There were crowds of people! Reba stationed herself by one of the iron posts that held up the portico. Oh, she hoped she had not done wrong to come.

"Hello," suddenly a voice said at her side. She glanced up. It was he! Relief surged through her.

"Good evening," she replied.

"Good evening," he echoed.

"I didn't know whether you'd be here or not," she went on nervously.

"Be here! I've been here since seven. I was afraid I wouldn't know you without the ruffles. But say," triumphantly, "I knew you the first minute. I've gotten tickets," he told her.

He had bought tickets for her—with his money! The color mounted to her cheeks.

"Then shall we go in?"