“I came alone Nell; ’pon me soul, I did!”
“Eddy Brennen, if I thought you was double-faced enough to—”
“Will ye cheese it! If the gang git next they’ll give me the laugh. I didn’t bring no lady, Nell. I’m dead broke and couldn’t, see! That’s the reason I give youse the song and dance about not comin’. When I take youse out, I want to do the right t’ing.”
Nell’s face grew brighter at this explanation and she said:
“I knowed you wasn’t workin’, didn’t I; and I didn’t expect ye’d blow your money when ye hadn’t much. You ain’t acquainted with me, I can see that right here. I ain’t no leg-puller. Got a ticket?”
“No,” answered the youth awkwardly; “I’m waitin’ for a slow. Casey told me there’d be some goin’ aroun’ after the push got in.”
“For Heaven’s sake!” cried Miss Fogarty: “Don’t hang around the door waitin’ for a captain; ye’ll git a hard name!” She looked down the entry where Casey was riffling a packet of tickets his shirt front and rhinestone studs gleaming under the slanting rays of light. “After I go in,” continued she, “ask Danny for one; I’ll fix it with him as I pass.”
“But, say Nell! I don’t like—”
“Oh bother!” She started to rejoin her escort, but stopped suddenly.
“Look here,” she cautioned, “don’t you ask me for a single dance; for if ye do ye’ll get flagged! Rox Shimph sent me these flowers and put up money for a hack, and he’s me partner for all the dances.”