"It depends, Lauria. I suppose most often a woman has an understanding with a certain man and he gives some sort of signal when he comes to her house, so he won't be shot. Some women—quite a few, it is—just sort of let it be known around that they won't shoot if a man comes around. That's more dangerous, though, and they have to be on guard."
"I'd think so," said Lauria indignantly. "Another woman could take advantage of something like that and make a good haul."
There was a silence. Then Cholli said slily:
"Did you want to get a message to some man—or get the word around that...?"
"Certainly not!" she retorted firmly. "I abide by the Constitution, and I value my privacy."
"Okay, Lauria. I just thought I could get the word passed for you." He grinned. "If it weren't for this bum arm, I might have tried for you myself before now."
The music stopped and they parted.
"Wait, Cholli!" cried Lauria in a low intense voice. He turned and came back to her, looking at her quizzically.
"Cholli," she said, almost in a whisper, "pass the word around tonight that no young man will find my home defended!"
She turned her back quickly, her face flaming, and left the hall, picking up her scarf and gun at the door. She walked home alone, swiftly, holding up the hem of her skirt with her left hand and hoping savagely that someone would try to waylay her.