The Mermaid of Druid Lake and Other Stories Part 7

HE--Madison 7-9-3-1-m, please. Yes. Is that Mr. Pratt's? Is Miss Genevieve there?

SHE--No, she is not in. Who shall I tell her called?

HE--You didn't disguise your voice, Miss Genevieve? I knew you right away.

SHE--I thought I might learn something, Mr. Vincent.

HE--I might have told my real name.

SHE--That would have been disastrous.

HE--It would, if I had started confessing things.

SHE--What's the matter? Have you anything on your conscience?

HE--Not my conscience, but my heart.

SHE--There you go again. You promised me last night at the Academy you wouldn't jolly any more.

HE--I haven't. I'm desperately in earnest. I swear it.

SHE--I wish I could believe you.

HE--Why don't you?

SHE--It might disturb my peace of mind.

HE--Would that be so bad?

SHE--Um-m-m-m-m, maybe.

HE--I can see those mocking eyes of yours now.

SHE--I don't like that, Mr. Vincent. That's rude.

HE--I'll beg your pardon when next I can look at you. That reminds me.

Have you anything on for tomorrow night?

SHE--Um-m-m, no.

HE--I'd like to take you to Albaugh's. You've seen a musical comedy at the Academy, and a serious drama at Ford's, and it might be well to take a dash into "vodevil" before the week is over.

SHE--Do you know you're too good to me. I can never repay you.

HE--Yes, you can. By agreeing to go every time I ask.

SHE--Haven't I done it?

HE--Yes, you've never failed me. It's settled, then, for "vodevil?"

SHE--Come early and avoid the rush.

HE--And can you stay late? Because--well, I thought you might like a bite to eat at the Stafford after the show.

SHE--Another of your surprises. Do you treat all of the girls so finely?

HE--No; only you.

SHE--Bluffer! Goodbye.

IX.

(Monday, January 21, 1907.)

SHE--Please ring the other party on this line. Is that Madison 7-9-3-1-y? Mrs. Vincent, isn't it? This is Genevieve Pratt, Mrs.

Vincent. I hope you're feeling better than when I saw you? So glad to hear it. Isn't this fine, crisp weather? Do I want to speak to your son? If I may. Is that you, Carroll?

HE--Why, little girl!

SHE--Surprised to hear from me so soon? Well, after I came in the house I found an invitation to a private dance at the Belvedere two weeks from tonight. Lida and her husband are to give it. I've heard it's to be a swell affair--big ballroom decorated, orchestra and seated supper. I want you to go with me. Will you?

HE--Now, you know very well I will, little girl.

SHE--Oh, I'm so glad! I'll see everybody I know; I'll have you with me, and--you know how to dance so well.

HE--You mean we know how to dance together. Listen, Genevieve: If I go, are you going to give me every dance?

SHE--Certainly not. People would talk too much. If you're good, you may have every other one.

HE--And sit out the rest with you?

SHE--Perhaps. All right, mother.

HE--What did you say?

SHE--Did you hear? That was mother insisting that I come to dinner.

HE--I'll let you go, then. You promised me every one, don't forget.

SHE--No, I didn't.

HE--Do you remember what I told you coming uptown this afternoon?

SHE--You told me a lot of things.

HE--I told you you were the most tormenting little vixen on earth.