«They told me in the laundry,» he said, harshly, «that they saw her pass yesterday—in an automobile. With one of the millionaires, I suppose, that you and Lou were forever busying your brains about.»
For the first time Nancy quailed before a man. She laid her hand that trembled slightly on Dan's sleeve.
«You've no right to say such a thing to me, Dan—as if I had anything to do with it!»
«I didn't mean it that way,» said Dan, softening. He fumbled in his vest pocket.
«I've got the tickets for the show to–night,» he said, with a gallant show of lightness. «If you — »
Nancy admired pluck whenever she saw it.
«I'll go with you, Dan,» she said.
Three months went by before Nancy saw Lou again.
At twilight one evening the shop–girl was hurrying home along the border of a little quiet park. She heard her name called, and wheeled about in time to catch Lou rushing into her arms.
After the first embrace they drew their heads back as serpents do, ready to attack or to charm, with a thousand questions trembling on their swift tongues. And then Nancy noticed that prosperity had descended upon Lou, manifesting itself in costly furs, flashing gems, and creations of the tailors' art.