“I’d do anythin’ t’ keep you from goin’ t’ Noo York,” he answers, “and from bein’ a’ actress.”
She looked at Billy next. “The hull town was in it!” she went on. “Ev’rybody was ready t’ git me fooled; t’ make me the josh of the county!”
“No, no, little gal,” I answers, and got to my feet byside the bed. “Not me, honey!”
She only just turned and opened the door. “I don’t wonder the rest of you ain’t got nothin’ t’ say,” she says. “Why, I ain’t never heerd of anythin’ so–so low.” And haid down, and sobbin’, she went out.
I tried t’ foller, but my laigs was sorta wobbley. I got just a step ’r two, and put a’ arm on Billy’s shoulder.
The boys went out then, too, not sayin’ a word, but lookin’ some sneaky.
“Bring her back,” I called after ’em. “Aw, I’ve hurt my pore little gal!” I started t’ walk again, leanin’ on the doc. “Boys!––”
Next thing, over I flopped into Billy’s arms.
When I come to, a little later on, here was Billy settin’ byside me, a’ awful sober look on his face.