No answer to this, but no sobs. She must have been crying silently.
“Come on. I can take care of yuh. We can live in Hoboken. I know a place where we can go to-night. That’s all right.”
There was a movement as if the speaker were patting her on the shoulder.
“What’s the use cryin’? Don’t you believe I love yuh?”
The officer who had stolen quietly around to get a better view now came closer. He wanted to see for himself. In the moonlight, from a comfortable distance, he could see them seated. The tall bushes were almost all about the bench. In the arms of the youth was the girl in white, held very close. Leaning over to get a better view, he saw him kiss her and hold her—hold her in such a way that she could but yield to him, whatever her slight disinclination.
It was a common affair at earlier hours, but rather interesting now. The officer was interested. He crept nearer.
“What are you two doin’ here?” he suddenly inquired, rising before them, as though he had not seen.
The girl tumbled out of her compromising position, speechless and blushing violently. The young man stood up, nervous, but still defiant.
“Aw, we were just sittin’ here,” he replied.
“Yes? Well, say, what’s your name? I think we’re lookin’ for you two, anyhow. Almerting?”