"But it's raining, Gert. Look out. Honest, I don't like to ask you to break your date to hike over there in the rain with me."
"Raining! Aw, then let's cut it, Phonzie. I got a new marcel and a cold on my chest that weighs a ton. She can't roll it on a wet Sunday, nohow."
"Paper says clear and warm to-morrow, Gert; but, honest, you don't need to go."
"You're a nice boy, Phonzie, and a proud father, but you can't spend my money for me. What you bet I get ten per cent. off for cash? Subway at seven. I'll be there."
"I may be a bit late, Gert. She ain't so strong yet, and after last night I don't want to get her nervous."
"I told you she'd be sore at me for taking you to the Ritz ball last night, and God knows it wasn't no pleasure in my life to go model-hunting with you, when I might have been joy-riding with my friend from Carson City."
"It's just because she ain't herself yet. I'm off, Gert. Till seven in the Subway!"
"Yes, till seven!"
* * * * *
When Mr. Alphonse Michelson unlocked the door of his second-floor five-room apartment, a lamp softly burning through a yellow silk lamp-shade met him with the soft radiance of home. Beside the door he divested himself of his rain-spotted mackintosh, inserted his dripping umbrella in a tall china stand, shook a little rivulet from his hat and hung it on a pair of wall antlers.