Page 41 - 1913 November - To Dragma

46 TO PRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

down the streets looking into the shops, watching the crowd for
acquaintances, drinking soda, or riding in autos.

The scene had the charm of novelty to her, for she seldom went
out, dreading to go alone, and yet dreading more the men she was
thrown with.

To Sophy it was all an old story, and because of her very familiar-
ity it was the more intoxicating. Unlike Cimbria, she panted to be-
come part of it. She wanted to be one of the women watched over
so carefully by their escorts, or one of those riding by so comfortably
in touring cars. This gay, frothy side of life appealed keenly to
her and she rebelled fiercely because she was not born to it.

At her suggestion, they went into a drugstore for a soda, but their
enjoyment of it was spoiled by the open admiration of Cimbria
shown by a fast looking man buying cigars.

He followed them when they left the store to the delight of one
and the disgust of the other.

They hurried to Sophy's boarding house and Cimbria consented to
stay the night with her, for she dreaded the lonely walk to her own
rooms.

Eight o'clock the next morning found the girls at Madame
Angelo's. They were in high spirits from their brief holiday and
their curiosity as to its cause ran high. Madame looked white, her
eyes were encircled by black rings, and her mouth was a thin red
line.

About nine she led the way into her private office, followed by a
man who carried a small case.

" I wonder what that means," mused Hannah "he doesn't look like
a book agent."

Madame called her name rather sharply and she entered the of-
fice. Gretchen worked stolidly. Sophy was indifferent, but Cimbria
was shivering with dread, but of what she could not say.

Hannah returned and Gretchen went in.

"What happened to you, Han?" demanded Sophy.

"Nothing much," Hannah answered indifferently, "he's a doctor
and he looked down my throat, asked me some fool questions, then
he told Madame I was O. K . "

"Well, I hope he'll do something for my throat. It's been troub-
ling me for months. That's why my voice is so queer," said Sophy.
" I f Madame has him look at it, it won't cost me anything."

Gretchen returned and Sophy took her place in the office.
Cimbria worked nervously, the suspense was getting on her nerves.