“How about it?” he questioned.
“All right.”
He sighed with relief and satisfaction.
There were two rooms and a bath. The furnishings were fairly attractive—garish in some respects, but on the whole, adequate. Erna admitted to herself that they surpassed her expectation, the garish qualities, no doubt, appealing to her love of life and violent color. But she made no such admission to Jimmy.
He was watching her with wide open eyes. Gradually, his anxiety forsook him and his natural cheerfulness appeared. “Well?” he asked quietly.
Erna continued reticent. Neither of the rooms compared with Mr. Nielsen’s, which was so wonderfully cosy, but she could easily improve them. Her woman’s housekeeper instinct declared itself; it would be nice to occupy herself making changes here and there. And it would be a nice place to spend a few lazy hours every day, it was such a fine little apartment. Best of all, it would be her first home.... Erna studied the large couch for the first time and hesitated. “Stick to your freedom!” he had advised her. Marriage? No, marriage would not be so nice. Still, strong, broad shouldered, handsome, happy Jimmy was standing right near her. She glanced his way.
“Well?” he repeated.
Erna looked away.
“What’s the matter?” he asked, and approached a little.
She did not answer.... That other time matters were different. She had not felt as drawn to him then as she had since his return. His offer of money that day—well, it had been an honest one: he had cared for her, and he had been her best friend in those days. She must do him that much justice. And he was offering her much more now. She hated Landsmann’s more and more. She could not endure the place many days longer. And this would be her first home. But suppose she should want to change—as she had done so often before, due to her hatred of any steady existence? Her hands would be tied. Marriage meant loss of freedom. She cared for Jimmy, yes, but not quite enough. If she were only given more time for a decision! Perhaps, Mr. Nielsen would help her to decide. But she would not ask him.