"Dja? Glad to hear it. Will you go again—next week? I guess I can work som'other show, all right."

Compunction smote as memory reminded her. "But—Ben—didn't you have to pay for those tickets?"

"Oh, that's all right. I couldn't find the fella I was lookin' for, round back."

"I'm so sorry—"

"Gwan! It wasn't nothin'. Cheap at the price, if you liked it, little girl."

"I liked it awfully! But I won't go again, unless you show me the pass first."

"Wel-l, we'll see about that." He edged a pace nearer.

Suddenly self-conscious, Joan drew back and offered her hand. "Good night and—thank you so much, Ben."

He took the hand, but retained it. "Ah, say! is this all I get? I thought you kinda liked me...."

"I do, Ben, but—"