chapter07
　　ChapterVII
　　Anorchestraofyellowsilkwomenandbald-headedmenonanelevatedstagenearthecentreofagreatgreen-huedhall，playedapopularwaltz。Theplacewascrowdedwithpeoplegroupedaboutlittletables。Abattalionofwaitersslidamongthethrong，carryingtraysofbeerglassesandmakingchangefromtheinexhaustiblevaultsoftheirtrouserspockets。Littleboys，inthecostumesofFrenchchefs，paradedupanddowntheirregularaislesvendingfancycakes。Therewasalowrumbleofconversationandasubduedclinkingofglasses。Cloudsoftobaccosmokerolledandwaveredhighinairaboutthedullgiltofthechandeliers。
　　Thevastcrowdhadanairthroughoutofhavingjustquittedlabor。Menwithcallousedhandsandattiredingarmentsthatshowedthewearofanendlesstrudgeforaliving，smokedtheirpipescontentedlyandspentfive，ten，orperhapsfifteencentsforbeer。Therewasameresprinklingofkid-glovedmenwhosmokedcigarspurchasedelsewhere。Thegreatbodyofthecrowdwascomposedofpeoplewhoshowedthatalldaytheystrovewiththeirhands。QuietGermans，withmaybetheirwivesandtwoorthreechildren，satlisteningtothemusic，withtheexpressionsofhappycows。Anoccasionalpartyofsailorsfromawar-ship，theirfacespicturesofsturdyhealth，spenttheearlierhoursoftheeveningatthesmallroundtables。Veryinfrequenttipsymen，swollenwiththevalueoftheiropinions，engagedtheircompanionsinearnestandconfidentialconversation。Inthebalcony，andhereandtherebelow，shonetheimpassivefacesofwomen。ThenationalitiesoftheBowerybeameduponthestagefromalldirections。
　　PeteaggressivelywalkedupasideaisleandtookseatswithMaggieatatablebeneaththebalcony。
　　"Twobeehs！"
　　Leaningbackheregardedwitheyesofsuperioritythescenebeforethem。ThisattitudeaffectedMaggiestrongly。Amanwhocouldregardsuchasightwithindifferencemustbeaccustomedtoverygreatthings。
　　ItwasobviousthatPetehadbeentothisplacemanytimesbefore，andwasveryfamiliarwithit。AknowledgeofthisfactmadeMaggiefeellittleandnew。
　　Hewasextremelygraciousandattentive。Hedisplayedtheconsiderationofaculturedgentlemanwhoknewwhatwasdue。
　　"Say，whatdehhell？Bringdehladyabigglass！Whatdehhelluseisdatpony？"
　　"Don’tbefresh，now，"saidthewaiter，withsomewarmth，ashedeparted。
　　"Ah，gitoffdeheart’，"saidPete，aftertheother’sretreatingform。
　　MaggieperceivedthatPetebroughtforthallhiseleganceandallhisknowledgeofhigh-classcustomsforherbenefit。Herheartwarmedasshereflecteduponhiscondescension。
　　Theorchestraofyellowsilkwomenandbald-headedmengaveventtoafewbarsofanticipatorymusicandagirl，inapinkdresswithshortskirts，gallopeduponthestage。Shesmileduponthethrongasifinacknowledgmentofawarmwelcome，andbegantowalktoandfro，makingprofusegesticulationsandsinging，inbrazensopranotones，asong，thewordsofwhichwereinaudible。
　　Whenshebrokeintotheswiftrattlingmeasuresofachorussomehalf-tipsymennearthestagejoinedintherollickingrefrainandglasseswerepoundedrhythmicallyuponthetables。Peopleleanedforwardtowatchherandtotrytocatchthewordsofthesong。
　　Whenshevanishedtherewerelongrollingsofapplause。
　　Obedienttomoreanticipatorybars，shereappearedamidstthehalf-suppressedcheeringofthetipsymen。Theorchestraplungedintodancemusicandthelacesofthedancerflutteredandflewintheglareofgasjets。Shedivulgedthefactthatshewasattiredinsomehalfdozenskirts。Itwaspatentthatanyoneofthemwouldhaveprovedadequateforthepurposeforwhichskirtsareintended。Anoccasionalmanbentforward，intentuponthepinkstockings。Maggiewonderedatthesplendorofthecostumeandlostherselfincalculationsofthecostofthesilksandlaces。
　　Thedancer’ssmileofstereotypedenthusiasmwasturnedfortenminutesuponthefacesofheraudience。Inthefinaleshefellintosomeofthosegrotesqueattitudeswhichwereatthetimepopularamongthedancersinthetheatresup-town，givingtotheBowerypublicthephantasiesofthearistocratictheatre-goingpublic，atreducedrates。
　　"Say，Pete，"saidMaggie，leaningforward，"disisgreat。"
　　"Sure，"saidPete，withpropercomplacence。
　　Aventriloquistfollowedthedancer。Heheldtwofantasticdollsonhisknees。HemadethemsingmournfuldittiesandsayfunnythingsaboutgeographyandIreland。
　　"Dodoselittlementalk？"askedMaggie。
　　"Naw，"saidPete，"it’ssomedamnfake。See？"
　　Twogirls，onthebillsassisters，cameforthandsangaduetthatisheardoccasionallyatconcertsgivenunderchurchauspices。
　　Theysupplementeditwithadancewhichofcoursecanneverbeseenatconcertsgivenunderchurchauspices。
　　Aftertheduettistshadretired，awomanofdebatableagesanganegromelody。Thechorusnecessitatedsomegrotesquewaddlingssupposedtobeanimitationofaplantationdarkey，undertheinfluence，probably，ofmusicandthemoon。Theaudiencewasjustenthusiasticenoughoverittohaveherreturnandsingasorrowfullay，whoselinestoldofamother’sloveandasweetheartwhowaitedandayoungmanwhowaslostatseaunderthemostharrowingcircumstances。Fromthefacesofascoreorsointhecrowd，theself-containedlookfaded。Manyheadswerebentforwardwitheagernessandsympathy。Asthelastdistressingsentimentofthepiecewasbroughtforth，itwasgreetedbythatkindofapplausewhichringsassincere。
　　Asafinaleffort，thesingerrenderedsomeverseswhichdescribedavisionofBritainbeingannihilatedbyAmerica，andIrelandburstingherbonds。Acarefullypreparedcrisiswasreachedinthelastlineofthelastverse，wherethesingerthrewoutherarmsandcried，"Thestar-spangledbanner。"Instantlyagreatcheerswelledfromthethroatsoftheassemblageofthemasses。Therewasaheavyrumbleofbootedfeetthumpingthefloor。Eyesgleamedwithsuddenfire，andcallousedhandswavedfranticallyintheair。
　　Afterafewmoments’rest，theorchestraplayedcrashingly，andasmallfatmanburstoutuponthestage。Hebegantoroarasongandstampbackandforthbeforethefoot-lights，wildlywavingaglossysilkhatandthrowingleers，orsmiles，broadcast。HemadehisfaceintofantasticgrimacesuntilhelookedlikeapictureddevilonaJapanesekite。Thecrowdlaughedgleefully。
　　Hisshort，fatlegswereneverstillamoment。Heshoutedandroaredandbobbedhisshockofredwiguntiltheaudiencebrokeoutinexcitedapplause。
　　Petedidnotpaymuchattentiontotheprogressofeventsuponthestage。HewasdrinkingbeerandwatchingMaggie。
　　Hercheekswereblushingwithexcitementandhereyeswereglistening。Shedrewdeepbreathsofpleasure。Nothoughtsoftheatmosphereofthecollarandcufffactorycametoher。
　　Whentheorchestracrashedfinally，theyjostledtheirwaytothesidewalkwiththecrowd。PetetookMaggie’sarmandpushedawayforher，offeringtofightwithamanortwo。
　　TheyreachedMaggie’shomeatalatehourandstoodforamomentinfrontofthegruesomedoorway。
　　"Say，Mag，"saidPete，"giveusakissfortakin’yehtehdehshow，willyer？"
　　Maggielaughed，asifstartled，anddrewawayfromhim。
　　"Naw，Pete，"shesaid，"datwasn’tinit。"
　　"Ah，whatdehhell？"urgedPete。
　　Thegirlretreatednervously。
　　"Ah，whatdehhell？"repeatedhe。
　　Maggiedartedintothehall，andupthestairs。Sheturnedandsmiledathim，thendisappeared。
　　Petewalkedslowlydownthestreet。Hehadsomethingofanastonishedexpressionuponhisfeatures。Hepausedunderalamp-
　　postandbreathedalowbreathofsurprise。
　　"Gawd，"hesaid，"IwonnerifI’vebeenplayedferaduffer。"
　　chapter08
　　ChapterVIII
　　AsthoughtsofPetecametoMaggie’smind，shebegantohaveanintensedislikeforallofherdresses。
　　"Whatdehhellailsyeh？Whatmakesyehbeallusfixin’andfussin’？GoodGawd，"hermotherwouldfrequentlyroarather。
　　Shebegantonote，withmoreinterest，thewell-dressedwomenshemetontheavenues。Sheenviedeleganceandsoftpalms。
　　Shecravedthoseadornmentsofpersonwhichshesaweverydayonthestreet，conceivingthemtobealliesofvastimportancetowomen。
　　Studyingfaces，shethoughtmanyofthewomenandgirlsshechancedtomeet，smiledwithserenityasthoughforevercherishedandwatchedoverbythosetheyloved。
　　Theairinthecollarandcuffestablishmentstrangledher。
　　Sheknewshewasgraduallyandsurelyshrivellinginthehot，stuffyroom。Thebegrimedwindowsrattledincessantlyfromthepassingofelevatedtrains。Theplacewasfilledwithawhirlofnoisesandodors。
　　Shewonderedassheregardedsomeofthegrizzledwomenintheroom，meremechanicalcontrivancessewingseamsandgrindingout，withheadsbendedovertheirwork，talesofimaginedorrealgirlhoodhappiness，pastdrunks，thebabyathome，andunpaidwages。
　　Shespeculatedhowlongheryouthwouldendure。Shebegantoseethebloomuponhercheeksasvaluable。
　　Sheimaginedherself，inanexasperatingfuture，asascrawnywomanwithaneternalgrievance。Too，shethoughtPetetobeaveryfastidiouspersonconcerningtheappearanceofwomen。
　　Shefeltshewouldlovetoseesomebodyentangletheirfingersintheoilybeardofthefatforeignerwhoownedtheestablishment。
　　Hewasadetestablecreature。Heworewhitesockswithlowshoes。
　　Whenhetiredofthisamusementhewouldgotothemummiesandmoralizeoverthem。
　　Usuallyhesubmittedwithsilentdignitytoallwhichhehadtogothrough，but，attimes，hewasgoadedintocomment。
　　"Whatdehhell，"hedemandedonce。"Lookatalldeselittlejugs！Hundredjugsinarow！Tenrowsinacasean’’boutat’ousandcases！Whatdehblazesuseisdem？"
　　Eveningsduringtheweekhetookhertoseeplaysinwhichthebrain-clutchingheroinewasrescuedfromthepalatialhomeofherguardian，whoiscruellyafterherbonds，bytheherowiththebeautifulsentiments。Thelatterspentmostofhistimeoutatsoakinpale-greensnowstorms，busywithanickel-platedrevolver，rescuingagedstrangersfromvillains。
　　Maggielostherselfinsympathywiththewanderersswooninginsnowstormsbeneathhappy-huedchurchwindows。Andachoirwithinsinging"JoytotheWorld。"ToMaggieandtherestoftheaudiencethiswastranscendentalrealism。Joyalwayswithin，andthey，liketheactor，inevitablywithout。Viewingit，theyhuggedthemselvesinecstaticpityoftheirimaginedorrealcondition。
　　Thegirlthoughtthearroganceandgranite-heartednessofthemagnateoftheplaywasveryaccuratelydrawn。Sheechoedthemaledictionsthattheoccupantsofthegalleryshoweredonthisindividualwhenhislinescompelledhimtoexposehisextremeselfishness。
　　Shadypersonsintheaudiencerevoltedfromthepicturedvillainyofthedrama。Withuntiringzealtheyhissedviceandapplaudedvirtue。Unmistakablybadmenevincedanapparentlysincereadmirationforvirtue。
　　Theloudgallerywasoverwhelminglywiththeunfortunateandtheoppressed。Theyencouragedthestrugglingherowithcries，andjeeredthevillain，hootingandcallingattentiontohiswhiskers。
　　Whenanybodydiedinthepale-greensnowstorms，thegallerymourned。
　　Theysoughtoutthepaintedmiseryandhuggeditasakin。
　　Inthehero’serraticmarchfrompovertyinthefirstact，towealthandtriumphinthefinalone，inwhichheforgivesalltheenemiesthathehasleft，hewasassistedbythegallery，whichapplaudedhisgenerousandnoblesentimentsandconfoundedthespeechesofhisopponentsbymakingirrelevantbutverysharpremarks。Thoseactorswhowerecursedwithvillainypartswereconfrontedateveryturnbythegallery。Ifoneofthemrenderedlinescontainingthemostsubtiledistinctionsbetweenrightandwrong，thegallerywasimmediatelyawareiftheactormeantwickedness，anddenouncedhimaccordingly。
　　Thelastactwasatriumphforthehero，poorandofthemasses，therepresentativeoftheaudience，overthevillainandtherichman，hispocketsstuffedwithbonds，hisheartpackedwithtyrannicalpurposes，imperturbableamidsuffering。
　　Maggiealwaysdepartedwithraisedspiritsfromtheshowingplacesofthemelodrama。Sherejoicedatthewayinwhichthepoorandvirtuouseventuallysurmountedthewealthyandwicked。Thetheatremadeherthink。Shewonderedifthecultureandrefinementshehadseenimitated，perhapsgrotesquely，bytheheroineonthestage，couldbeacquiredbyagirlwholivedinatenementhouseandworkedinashirtfactory。
　　chapter09
　　ChapterIX
　　Agroupofurchinswereintentuponthesidedoorofasaloon。
　　Expectancygleamedfromtheireyes。Theyweretwistingtheirfingersinexcitement。
　　"Hereshecomes，"yelledoneofthemsuddenly。
　　Thegroupofurchinsburstinstantlyasunderanditsindividualfragmentswerespreadinawide，respectablehalfcircleaboutthepointofinterest。Thesaloondooropenedwithacrash，andthefigureofawomanappeareduponthethreshold。Hergreyhairfellinknottedmassesabouthershoulders。Herfacewascrimsonedandwetwithperspiration。Hereyeshadarollingglare。
　　"Notadamncentmoreofmemoneywillyehseverget，notadamncent。
　　Ispentmemoneyherefert’reeyearsan’nowyehstellsmeyeh’llsellmenomorestuff！T’hellwidyeh，JohnnieMurckre！
　　’Disturbance’？
　　Disturbancebedamned！T’hellwidyeh，Johnnie——"
　　Thedoorreceivedakickofexasperationfromwithinandthewomanlurchedheavilyoutonthesidewalk。
　　Thegaminsinthehalf-circlebecameviolentlyagitated。
　　Theybegantodanceaboutandhootandyellandjeer。
　　Widedirtygrinsspreadovereachface。
　　Thewomanmadeafuriousdashataparticularlyoutrageousclusteroflittleboys。Theylaugheddelightedlyandscamperedoffashortdistance，callingoutovertheirshoulderstoher。Shestoodtotteringonthecurb-stoneandthunderedatthem。
　　"Yehdevil’skids，"shehowled，shakingredfists。Thelittleboyswhoopedinglee。Asshestartedupthestreettheyfellinbehindandmarcheduproariously。Occasionallyshewheeledaboutandmadechargesonthem。Theyrannimblyoutofreachandtauntedher。
　　Intheframeofagruesomedoorwayshestoodforamomentcursingthem。
　　Herhairstraggled，givinghercrimsonfeaturesalookofinsanity。
　　Hergreatfistsquiveredassheshookthemmadlyintheair。
　　Theurchinsmadeterrificnoisesuntilsheturnedanddisappeared。Thentheyfiledquietlyinthewaytheyhadcome。
　　Thewomanflounderedaboutinthelowerhallofthetenementhouseandfinallystumbledupthestairs。Onanupperhalladoorwasopenedandacollectionofheadspeeredcuriouslyout，watchingher。
　　Withawrathfulsnortthewomanconfrontedthedoor，butitwasslammedhastilyinherfaceandthekeywasturned。
　　Shestoodforafewminutes，deliveringafrenziedchallengeatthepanels。
　　"Comeoutindehhall，MaryMurphy，damnyeh，ifyehswantarow。
　　Comeahn，yehovergrownterrier，comeahn。"
　　Shebegantokickthedoorwithhergreatfeet。Sheshrillydefiedtheuniversetoappearanddobattle。Hercursingtreblesbroughtheadsfromalldoorssavetheoneshethreatened。Hereyesglaredineverydirection。Theairwasfullofhertossingfists。
　　"Comeahn，dehhulldamngangofyehs，comeahn，"sheroaredatthespectators。Anoathortwo，cat-calls，jeersandbitsoffacetiousadviceweregiveninreply。Missilesclatteredaboutherfeet。
　　"Whatdehhell’sdehmatterwidyeh？"saidavoiceinthegatheredgloom，andJimmiecameforward。Hecarriedatindinner-
　　pailinhishandandunderhisarmabrowntruckman’saprondoneinabundle。"Whatdehhell’swrong？"hedemanded。
　　"Comeout，allofyehs，comeout，"hismotherwashowling。
　　"Comeahnan’I’llstampherdamnbrainsundermefeet。"
　　"Shetyerface，an’comehome，yehdamnedoldfool，"roaredJimmieather。Shestrideduptohimandtwirledherfingersinhisface。Hereyesweredartingflamesofunreasoningrageandherframetrembledwitheagernessforafight。
　　"T’hellwidyehs！An’whodehhellareyehs？Iain’tgivin’
　　asnapofmefingersferyehs，"shebawledathim。Sheturnedherhugebackintremendousdisdainandclimbedthestairstothenextfloor。
　　Jimmiefollowed，cursingblackly。Atthetopoftheflightheseizedhismother’sarmandstartedtodraghertowardthedooroftheirroom。
　　"Comehome，damnyeh，"hegrittedbetweenhisteeth。
　　"Takeyerhandsoffme！Takeyerhandsoffme，"shriekedhismother。
　　Sheraisedherarmandwhirledhergreatfistatherson’sface。Jimmiedodgedhisheadandtheblowstruckhiminthebackoftheneck。"Damnyeh，"grittedheagain。Hethrewouthislefthandandwrithedhisfingersabouthermiddlearm。Themotherandthesonbegantoswayandstrugglelikegladiators。
　　"Whoop！"saidtheRumAlleytenementhouse。Thehallfilledwithinterestedspectators。
　　"Hi，ol’lady，datwasadandy！"
　　"T’reetooneondehred！"
　　"Ah，stopyerdamnscrappin’！"
　　ThedooroftheJohnsonhomeopenedandMaggielookedout。
　　Jimmiemadeasupremecursingeffortandhurledhismotherintotheroom。Hequicklyfollowedandclosedthedoor。
　　TheRumAlleytenementsworedisappointedlyandretired。
　　Themotherslowlygatheredherselfupfromthefloor。
　　Hereyesglitteredmenacinglyuponherchildren。
　　"Here，now，"saidJimmie，"we’vehadenoughofdis。Sitdown，an’don’makenotrouble。"
　　Hegraspedherarm，andtwistingit，forcedherintoacreakingchair。
　　"Keepyerhandsoffme，"roaredhismotheragain。
　　"Damnyerol’hide，"yelledJimmie，madly。Maggieshriekedandranintotheotherroom。Tohertherecamethesoundofastormofcrashesandcurses。TherewasagreatfinalthumpandJimmie’svoicecried："Dere，damnyeh，staystill。"Maggieopenedthedoornow，andwentwarilyout。"Oh，Jimmie。"
　　Hewasleaningagainstthewallandswearing。Bloodstooduponbruisesonhisknottyfore-armswheretheyhadscrapedagainstthefloororthewallsinthescuffle。Themotherlayscreechingonthefloor，thetearsrunningdownherfurrowedface。
　　Maggie，standinginthemiddleoftheroom，gazedabouther。
　　Theusualupheavalofthetablesandchairshadtakenplace。
　　Crockerywasstrewnbroadcastinfragments。Thestovehadbeendisturbedonitslegs，andnowleanedidioticallytooneside。
　　Apailhadbeenupsetandwaterspreadinalldirections。
　　ThedooropenedandPeteappeared。Heshruggedhisshoulders。
　　"Oh，Gawd，"heobserved。
　　HewalkedovertoMaggieandwhisperedinherear。"Ah，whatdehhell，Mag？Comeahnandwe’llhaveahellofatime。"
　　Themotherinthecorneruprearedherheadandshookhertangledlocks。
　　"Tehhellwidhimandyou，"shesaid，gloweringatherdaughterinthegloom。Hereyesseemedtoburnbalefully。
　　"Yeh’vegonetehdehdevil，MagJohnson，yehsknowsyehshavegonetehdehdevil。Yeradisgracetehyerpeople，damnyeh。An’now，gitoutan’goahnwiddatdoe-facedjudeofyours。Gotehhellwidhim，damnyeh，an’agoodriddance。Gotehhellan’seehowyehlikesit。"
　　Maggiegazedlongathermother。
　　"Gotehhellnow，an’seehowyehlikesit。Gitout。Iwon’thavesechasyehsinmehouse！Getout，d’yehhear！Damnyeh，gitout！"
　　Thegirlbegantotremble。
　　AtthisinstantPetecameforward。"Oh，whatdehhell，Mag，see，"
　　whisperedhesoftlyinherear。"Disallblowsover。See？
　　Dehol’
　　woman’illbeallrightindehmornin’。Comeahnoutwidme！
　　We’llhaveahellofatime。"
　　Thewomanonthefloorcursed。Jimmiewasintentuponhisbruisedfore-arms。Thegirlcastaglanceabouttheroomfilledwithachaoticmassofdebris，andatthered，writhingbodyofhermother。
　　"Gotehhellan’goodriddance。"
　　Shewent。
　　chapter10
　　ChapterX
　　Jimmiehadanideaitwasn’tcommoncourtesyforafriendtocometoone’shomeandruinone’ssister。ButhewasnotsurehowmuchPeteknewabouttherulesofpoliteness。
　　Thefollowingnighthereturnedhomefromworkatratheralatehourintheevening。Inpassingthroughthehallshecameuponthegnarledandleatheryoldwomanwhopossessedthemusicbox。Shewasgrinninginthedimlightthatdriftedthroughdust-
　　stainedpanes。Shebeckonedtohimwithasmudgedforefinger。
　　"Ah，Jimmie，whatdoyehst’inkIgotontolas’night。Itwasdehfunnies’t’ingIeversaw，"shecried，comingclosetohimandleering。Shewastremblingwitheagernesstotellhertale。
　　"I
　　wasbymedoorlas’nightwhenyersisterandherjudefellercameinlate，oh，verylate。An’she，thedear，shewasa-cryin’asifherheartwouldbreak，shewas。Itwasdehfunnies’t’ingIeversaw。An’rightoutherebymedoorsheaskedhimdidheloveher，didhe。An’shewasa-cryin’asifherheartwouldbreak，poort’ing。An’him，Icouldseebydehwaywhathesaiditdatshehadbeenaskin’orften，hesays：’Oh，hell，yes，’hesays，sayshe，’Oh，hell，yes。’"
　　Storm-cloudssweptoverJimmie’sface，butheturnedfromtheleatheryoldwomanandploddedonup-stairs。
　　"Oh，hell，yes，"calledsheafterhim。Shelaughedalaughthatwaslikeapropheticcroak。"’Oh，hell，yes，’hesays，sayshe，’Oh，hell，yes。’"
　　Therewasnooneinathome。Theroomsshowedthatattemptshadbeenmadeattidyingthem。Partsofthewreckageofthedaybeforehadbeenrepairedbyanunskilfulhand。Achairortwoandthetable，stooduncertainlyuponlegs。Thefloorhadbeennewlyswept。Too，theblueribbonshadbeenrestoredtothecurtains，andthelambrequin，withitsimmensesheavesofyellowwheatandredrosesofequalsize，hadbeenreturned，inawornandsorrystate，toitspositionatthemantel。Maggie’sjacketandhatweregonefromthenailbehindthedoor。
　　Jimmiewalkedtothewindowandbegantolookthroughtheblurredglass。Itoccurredtohimtovaguelywonder，foraninstant，ifsomeofthewomenofhisacquaintancehadbrothers。
　　Suddenly，however，hebegantoswear。
　　"Buthewasmefrien’！Ibrought’imhere！Dat’sdehhellofit！"
　　Hefumedabouttheroom，hisangergraduallyrisingtothefuriouspitch。
　　"I’llkilldehjay！Dat’swhatI’lldo！I’llkilldehjay！"
　　Heclutchedhishatandsprangtowardthedoor。Butitopenedandhismother’sgreatformblockedthepassage。
　　"Whatdehhell’sdehmatterwidyeh？"exclaimedshe，comingintotherooms。
　　Jimmiegaveventtoasardoniccurseandthenlaughedheavily。
　　"Well，Maggie’sgonetehdehdevil！Dat’swhat！See？"
　　"Eh？"saidhismother。
　　"Maggie’sgonetehdehdevil！Areyehsdeaf？"roaredJimmie，impatiently。
　　"Dehhellshehas，"murmuredthemother，astounded。
　　Jimmiegrunted，andthenbegantostareoutatthewindow。
　　Hismothersatdowninachair，butamomentlatersprangerectanddeliveredamaddenedwhirlofoaths。Hersonturnedtolookatherasshereeledandswayedinthemiddleoftheroom，herfiercefaceconvulsedwithpassion，herblotchedarmsraisedhighinimprecation。
　　"MayGawdcurseherforever，"sheshrieked。"Maysheeatnothin’butstonesanddehdirtindehstreet。Mayshesleepindehgutteran’neverseedehsunshineagin。Dehdamn——"
　　"Here，now，"saidherson。"Takeadroponyourself。"
　　Themotherraisedlamentingeyestotheceiling。
　　"She’sdehdevil’sownchil’，Jimmie，"shewhispered。"Ah，whowouldt’inksuchabadgirlcouldgrowupinourfambly，Jimmie，meson。ManydehhourI’vespentintalkwiddatgirlan’
　　tol’herifsheeverwentondehstreetsI’dseeherdamned。An’
　　afterallherbringin’upan’whatItol’herandtalkedwidher，shegoestehdehbad，likeaducktehwater。"
　　Thetearsrolleddownherfurrowedface。Herhandstrembled。
　　"An’denwhendatSadieMacMallisternextdoortouswassenttehdehdevilbydatfellerwhatworkedindehsoap-factory，didn’tItellourMagdatifshe——"
　　"Ah，dat’sannuderstory，"interruptedthebrother。"Ofcourse，datSadiewasnicean’alldat——but——see——itain’tdessameasif——well，Maggiewasdiff’ent——see——shewasdiff’ent。"
　　Hewastryingtoformulateatheorythathehadalwaysunconsciouslyheld，thatallsisters，exceptinghisown，couldadvisedlyberuined。
　　Hesuddenlybrokeoutagain。"I’llgot’umphelloutadehmugwhatdidherdehharm。I’llkill’im！Het’inkshekinscrap，butwhenhegitsmea-chasin’’imhe’llfin’outwherehe’swrong，dehdamnedduffer。I’llwipeupdehstreetwid’im。"
　　Inafuryheplungedoutofthedoorway。Ashevanishedthemotherraisedherheadandliftedbothhands，entreating。
　　"MayGawdcurseherforever，"shecried。
　　InthedarknessofthehallwayJimmiediscernedaknotofwomentalkingvolubly。Whenhestrodebytheypaidnoattentiontohim。
　　"Shealluswasaboldthing，"heheardoneofthemcryinaneagervoice。"Derewasn’tafellercometehdehhousebutshe’dtrytehmash’im。MyAnniesaysdehshamelesst’ingtriedtehketchherfeller，herownfeller，whatweuseterknowhisfader。"
　　"Icoulda’tol’yehsdistwoyearsago，"saidawoman，inakeyoftriumph。"Yessir，itwasovertwoyearsagodatIsaystehmyol’man，Isays，’DatJohnsongirlain’tstraight，’Isays。
　　’Oh，hell，’hesays。’Oh，hell。’’Dat’sallright，’Isays，’butIknowwhatIknows，’Isays，’an’it’illcomeoutlater。
　　Youwaitan’see，’Isays，’yousee。’"
　　"Anybodywhathadeyescouldseedatderewassomethin’wrongwiddatgirl。Ididn’tlikeheractions。"
　　OnthestreetJimmiemetafriend。"Whatdehhell？"askedthelatter。
　　Jimmieexplained。"An’I’llt’ump’imtillhecan’tstand。"
　　"Oh，whatdehhell，"saidthefriend。"What’sdehuse！
　　Yeh’llgitpulledin！Everybody’illbeontoit！An’tenplunks！
　　Gee！"
　　Jimmiewasdetermined。"Het’inkshekinscrap，buthe’llfin’outdiff’ent。"
　　"Gee，"remonstratedthefriend。"Whatdehhell？"
　　chapter11
　　ChapterXI
　　Onacorneraglass-frontedbuildingshedayellowglareuponthepavements。Theopenmouthofasalooncalledseductivelytopassengerstoenterandannihilatesorroworcreaterage。
　　Theinterioroftheplacewaspaperedinoliveandbronzetintsofimitationleather。Ashiningbarofcounterfeitmassivenessextendeddownthesideoftheroom。Behinditagreatmahogany-appearingsideboardreachedtheceiling。Uponitsshelvesrestedpyramidsofshimmeringglassesthatwereneverdisturbed。Mirrorssetinthefaceofthesideboardmultipliedthem。Lemons，orangesandpapernapkins，arrangedwithmathematicalprecision，satamongtheglasses。Many-hueddecantersofliquorperchedatregularintervalsonthelowershelves。
　　Anickel-platedcashregisteroccupiedapositionintheexactcentreofthegeneraleffect。Theelementarysensesofitallseemedtobeopulenceandgeometricalaccuracy。
　　Acrossfromthebarasmallercounterheldacollectionofplatesuponwhichswarmedfrayedfragmentsofcrackers，slicesofboiledham，dishevelledbitsofcheese，andpicklesswimminginvinegar。
　　Anodorofgrasping，begrimedhandsandmunchingmouthspervaded。
　　Pete，inawhitejacket，wasbehindthebarbendingexpectantlytowardaquietstranger。"Abeeh，"saidtheman。
　　Petedrewafoam-toppedglassfulandsetitdrippinguponthebar。
　　Atthismomentthelightbamboodoorsattheentranceswungopenandcrashedagainstthesiding。Jimmieandacompanionentered。TheyswaggeredunsteadilybutbelligerentlytowardthebarandlookedatPetewithblearedandblinkingeyes。
　　"Gin，"saidJimmie。
　　"Gin，"saidthecompanion。
　　Peteslidabottleandtwoglassesalongthebar。Hebendedhisheadsidewaysasheassiduouslypolishedawaywithanapkinatthegleamingwood。Hehadalookofwatchfulnessuponhisfeatures。
　　Jimmieandhiscompanionkepttheireyesuponthebartenderandconversedloudlyintonesofcontempt。
　　"He’sadindymasher，ain’the，byGawd？"laughedJimmie。
　　"Oh，hell，yes，"saidthecompanion，sneeringwidely。"He’sgreat，heis。Gitontodehmugondehblokie。Dat’senoughtomakeafellerturnhand-springsin’issleep。"
　　Thequietstrangermovedhimselfandhisglassatriflefurtherawayandmaintainedanattitudeofoblivion。
　　"Gee！ain’thehotstuff！"
　　"Gitontohisshape！GreatGawd！"
　　"Hey，"criedJimmie，intonesofcommand。Petecamealongslowly，withasullendroppingoftheunderlip。
　　"Well，"hegrowled，"what’seatin’yehs？"
　　"Gin，"saidJimmie。
　　"Gin，"saidthecompanion。
　　AsPeteconfrontedthemwiththebottleandtheglasses，theylaughedinhisface。Jimmie’scompanion，evidentlyovercomewithmerriment，pointedagrimyforefingerinPete’sdirection。
　　"Say，Jimmie，"demandedhe，"whatdehhellisdatbehinddehbar？"
　　"DamnedifIknows，"repliedJimmie。Theylaughedloudly。
　　Peteputdownabottlewithabangandturnedaformidablefacetowardthem。Hedisclosedhisteethandhisshouldersheavedrestlessly。
　　"Youfellerscan’tguyme，"hesaid。"Drinkyerstuffan’gitoutan’don’makenotrouble。"
　　Instantlythelaughterfadedfromthefacesofthetwomenandexpressionsofoffendeddignityimmediatelycame。
　　"Whodehhellhassaidanyt’ingtehyou，"criedtheyinthesamebreath。
　　Thequietstrangerlookedatthedoorcalculatingly。
　　"Ah，comeoff，"saidPetetothetwomen。"Don’tpickmeupfornojay。Drinkyerruman’gitoutan’don’makenotrouble。"
　　"Oh，dehhell，"airilycriedJimmie。
　　"Oh，dehhell，"airilyrepeatedhiscompanion。
　　"Wegoeswhenwegitready！See！"continuedJimmie。
　　"Well，"saidPeteinathreateningvoice，"don’makenotrouble。"
　　Jimmiesuddenlyleanedforwardwithhisheadononeside。
　　Hesnarledlikeawildanimal。
　　"Well，whatifwedoes？See？"saidhe。
　　DarkbloodflushedintoPete’sface，andheshotaluridglanceatJimmie。
　　"Well，denwe’llseewhosedehbes’man，youorme，"hesaid。
　　Thequietstrangermovedmodestlytowardthedoor。
　　Jimmiebegantoswellwithvalor。
　　"Don’pickmeupfernotenderfoot。Whenyehtacklesmeyehtacklesoneofdehbes’menindehcity。See？I’mascrapper，Iam。Ain’tdatright，Billie？"
　　"Sure，Mike，"respondedhiscompanionintonesofconviction。
　　"Oh，hell，"saidPete，easily。"Gofallonyerself。"
　　Thetwomenagainbegantolaugh。
　　"Whatdehhellisdattalkin’？"criedthecompanion。
　　"DamnedifIknows，"repliedJimmiewithexaggeratedcontempt。
　　Petemadeafuriousgesture。"Gitoutaherenow，an’don’makenotrouble。See？Yousefellerserlookin’ferascrapan’
　　it’sdamnlikelyyeh’llfin’oneifyehkeepsonshootin’offyermout’s。
　　Iknowyehs！See？Ikinlickbettermendanyehseversawinyerlifes。
　　Dat’sright！See？Don’pickmeupfernostufferyehmightbejoltedoutindehstreetbeforeyehknowswhereyehis。WhenIcomesfrombehinddisbar，It’rowsyehsboteintehdehstreet。See？"
　　"Oh，hell，"criedthetwomeninchorus。
　　TheglareofapanthercameintoPete’seyes。"Dat’swhatIsaid！
　　Unnerstan’？"
　　Hecamethroughapassageattheendofthebarandswelleddownuponthetwomen。Theysteppedpromptlyforwardandcrowdedclosetohim。
　　Theybristledlikethreeroosters。Theymovedtheirheadspugnaciouslyandkepttheirshouldersbraced。Thenervousmusclesabouteachmouthtwitchedwithaforcedsmileofmockery。
　　"Well，whatdehhellyergoin’tehdo？"grittedJimmie。
　　Petesteppedwarilyback，wavinghishandsbeforehimtokeepthemenfromcomingtoonear。
　　"Well，whatdehhellyergoin’tehdo？"repeatedJimmie’sally。
　　Theykeptclosetohim，tauntingandleering。Theystrovetomakehimattempttheinitialblow。
　　"Keepback，now！Don’crowdme，"ominouslysaidPete。
　　Againtheychorusedincontempt。"Oh，hell！"
　　Inasmall，tossinggroup，thethreemenedgedforpositionslikefrigatescontemplatingbattle。
　　"Well，whydehhelldon’yehtryteht’rowusout？"criedJimmieandhisallywithcopioussneers。
　　Thebraveryofbull-dogssatuponthefacesofthemen。
　　Theirclenchedfistsmovedlikeeagerweapons。
　　Thealliedtwojostledthebartender’selbows，glaringathimwithfeverisheyesandforcinghimtowardthewall。
　　SuddenlyPetesworeredly。Theflashofactiongleamedfromhiseyes。Hethrewbackhisarmandaimedatremendous，lightning-
　　likeblowatJimmie’sface。Hisfootswungastepforwardandtheweightofhisbodywasbehindhisfist。Jimmieduckedhishead，Bowery-like，withthequicknessofacat。Thefierce，answeringblowsofhimandhisallycrushedonPete’sbowedhead。
　　Thequietstrangervanished。
　　Thearmsofthecombatantswhirledintheairlikeflails。
　　Thefacesofthemen，atfirstflushedtoflame-coloredanger，nowbegantofadetothepallorofwarriorsinthebloodandheatofabattle。Theirlipscurledbackandstretchedtightlyoverthegumsinghoul-likegrins。Throughtheirwhite，grippedteethstruggledhoarsewhisperingsofoaths。Theireyesglitteredwithmurderousfire。
　　Eachheadwashuddledbetweenitsowner’sshoulders，andarmswereswingingwithmarvelousrapidity。Feetscrapedtoandfrowithaloudscratchingsounduponthesandedfloor。Blowsleftcrimsonblotchesuponpaleskin。Thecursesofthefirstquarterminuteofthefightdiedaway。Thebreathsofthefighterscamewheezinglyfromtheirlipsandthethreechestswerestrainingandheaving。Peteatintervalsgaveventtolow，laboredhisses，thatsoundedlikeadesiretokill。Jimmie’sallygibberedattimeslikeawoundedmaniac。Jimmiewassilent，fightingwiththefaceofasacrificialpriest。Therageoffearshoneinalltheireyesandtheirblood-coloredfistsswirled。
　　AtatotteringmomentablowfromPete’shandstrucktheallyandhecrashedtothefloor。Hewriggledinstantlytohisfeetandgraspingthequietstranger’sbeerglassfromthebar，hurleditatPete’shead。
　　Highonthewallitburstlikeabomb，shiveringfragmentsflyinginalldirections。Thenmissilescametoeveryman’shand。
　　Theplacehadheretoforeappearedfreeofthingstothrow，butsuddenlyglassandbottleswentsingingthroughtheair。Theywerethrownpointblankatbobbingheads。Thepyramidofshimmeringglasses，thathadneverbeendisturbed，changedtocascadesasheavybottleswereflungintothem。Mirrorssplinteredtonothing。
　　Thethreefrothingcreaturesonthefloorburiedthemselvesinafrenzyforblood。Therefollowedinthewakeofmissilesandfistssomeunknownprayers，perhapsfordeath。
　　Thequietstrangerhadsprawledverypyrotechnicallyoutonthesidewalk。Alaughranupanddowntheavenueforthehalfofablock。
　　"Dey’vetrowedablokeintehdehstreet。"
　　Peopleheardthesoundofbreakingglassandshufflingfeetwithinthesaloonandcamerunning。Asmallgroup，bendingdowntolookunderthebamboodoors，watchingthefallofglass，andthreepairsofviolentlegs，changedinamomenttoacrowd。
　　Apolicemancamechargingdownthesidewalkandbouncedthroughthedoorsintothesaloon。Thecrowdbendedandsurgedinabsorbinganxietytosee。
　　Jimmiecaughtfirstsightoftheon-cominginterruption。Onhisfeethehadthesameregardforapolicemanthat，whenonhistruck，hehadforafireengine。Hehowledandranforthesidedoor。
　　Theofficermadeaterrificadvance，clubinhand。OnecomprehensivesweepofthelongnightstickthrewtheallytothefloorandforcedPetetoacorner。WithhisdisengagedhandhemadeafuriouseffortatJimmie’scoat-tails。Thenheregainedhisbalanceandpaused。
　　"Well，well，youareapairofpictures。Whatinhellyehbeenupto？"
　　Jimmie，withhisfacedrenchedinblood，escapedupasidestreet，pursuedashortdistancebysomeofthemorelaw-loving，orexcitedindividualsofthecrowd。
　　Later，fromacornersafelydark，hesawthepoliceman，theallyandthebartenderemergefromthesaloon。Petelockedthedoorsandthenfolloweduptheavenueintherearofthecrowd-
　　encompassedpolicemanandhischarge。
　　OnfirstthoughtsJimmie，withhisheartthrobbingatbattleheat，startedtogodesperatelytotherescueofhisfriend，buthehalted。
　　"Ah，whatdehhell？"hedemandedofhimself。
　　chapter12
　　ChapterXII
　　InahallofirregularshapesatPeteandMaggiedrinkingbeer。Asubmissiveorchestradictatedtobyaspectacledmanwithfrowsyhairandadresssuit，industriouslyfollowedthebobsofhisheadandthewavesofhisbaton。Aballadsinger，inadressofflamingscarlet，sangintheinevitablevoiceofbrass。Whenshevanished，menseatedatthetablesnearthefrontapplaudedloudly，poundingthepolishedwoodwiththeirbeerglasses。Shereturnedattiredinlessgown，andsangagain。Shereceivedanotherenthusiasticencore。Shereappearedinstilllessgownanddanced。Thedeafeningrumbleofglassesandclappingofhandsthatfollowedherexitindicatedanoverwhelmingdesiretohavehercomeonforthefourthtime，butthecuriosityoftheaudiencewasnotgratified。
　　Maggiewaspale。Fromhereyeshadbeenpluckedalllookofself-reliance。Sheleanedwithadependentairtowardhercompanion。Shewastimid，asiffearinghisangerordispleasure。
　　Sheseemedtobeseechtendernessofhim。
　　Pete’sairofdistinguishedvalorhadgrownuponhimuntilitthreatenedstupendousdimensions。Hewasinfinitelygracioustothegirl。Itwasapparenttoherthathiscondescensionwasamarvel。
　　Hecouldappeartostrutevenwhilesittingstillandheshowedthathewasalionoflordlycharacteristicsbytheairwithwhichhespat。
　　WithMaggiegazingathimwonderingly，hetookprideincommandingthewaiterswhowere，however，indifferentordeaf。
　　"Hi，you，gitarussleonyehs！Whatdehhellyehslookin’at？
　　Twomorebeehs，d’yehhear？"
　　Heleanedbackandcriticallyregardedthepersonofagirlwithastraw-coloredwigwhouponthestagewasflingingherheelsinsomewhatawkwardimitationofawell-knowndanseuse。
　　AttimesMaggietoldPetelongconfidentialtalesofherformerhomelife，dwellingupontheescapadesoftheothermembersofthefamilyandthedifficultiesshehadtocombatinordertoobtainadegreeofcomfort。Herespondedintonesofphilanthropy。
　　Hepressedherarmwithanairofreassuringproprietorship。
　　"Deywasdamnjays，"hesaid，denouncingthemotherandbrother。
　　Thesoundofthemusicwhich，bytheeffortsofthefrowsy-
　　headedleader，driftedtoherearsthroughthesmoke-filledatmosphere，madethegirldream。ShethoughtofherformerRumAlleyenvironmentandturnedtoregardPete’sstrongprotectingfists。Shethoughtofthecollarandcuffmanufactoryandtheeternalmoanoftheproprietor："WhateenhelldoyousinkIpiefifedollaaweekfor？Play？No，pydamn。"ShecontemplatedPete’sman-subduingeyesandnotedthatwealthandprosperitywasindicatedbyhisclothes。Sheimaginedafuture，rose-tinted，becauseofitsdistancefromallthatshepreviouslyhadexperienced。
　　Astothepresentsheperceivedonlyvaguereasonstobemiserable。HerlifewasPete’sandsheconsideredhimworthyofthecharge。Shewouldbedisturbedbynoparticularapprehensions，solongasPeteadoredherashenowsaidhedid。Shedidnotfeellikeabadwoman。Toherknowledgeshehadneverseenanybetter。
　　Attimesmenatothertablesregardedthegirlfurtively。
　　Pete，awareofit，noddedatherandgrinned。Hefeltproud。
　　"Mag，yerabloomin’good-looker，"heremarked，studyingherfacethroughthehaze。ThemenmadeMaggiefear，butsheblushedatPete’swordsasitbecameapparenttoherthatshewastheappleofhiseye。
　　Grey-headedmen，wonderfullypatheticintheirdissipation，staredatherthroughclouds。Smooth-cheekedboys，someofthemwithfacesofstoneandmouthsofsin，notnearlysopatheticasthegreyheads，triedtofindthegirl’seyesinthesmokewreaths。
　　Maggieconsideredshewasnotwhattheythoughther。SheconfinedherglancestoPeteandthestage。
　　Theorchestraplayednegromelodiesandaversatiledrummerpounded，whacked，clatteredandscratchedonadozenmachinestomakenoise。
　　Thoseglancesofthemen，shotatMaggiefromunderhalf-closedlids，madehertremble。ShethoughtthemalltobeworsementhanPete。
　　"Come，let’sgo，"shesaid。
　　AstheywentoutMaggieperceivedtwowomenseatedatatablewithsomemen。Theywerepaintedandtheircheekshadlosttheirroundness。Asshepassedthemthegirl，withashrinkingmovement，drewbackherskirts。
　　chapter13
　　ChapterXIII
　　JimmiedidnotreturnhomeforanumberofdaysafterthefightwithPeteinthesaloon。Whenhedid，heapproachedwithextremecaution。
　　Hefoundhismotherraving。Maggiehadnotreturnedhome。
　　Theparentcontinuallywonderedhowherdaughtercouldcometosuchapass。ShehadneverconsideredMaggieasapearldroppedunstainedintoRumAlleyfromHeaven，butshecouldnotconceivehowitwaspossibleforherdaughtertofallsolowastobringdisgraceuponherfamily。Shewasterrificindenunciationofthegirl’swickedness。
　　Thefactthattheneighborstalkedofit，maddenedher。Whenwomencamein，andinthecourseoftheirconversationcasuallyasked，"Where’sMaggiedesedays？"themothershookherfuzzyheadatthemandappalledthemwithcurses。Cunninghintsinvitingconfidencesherebuffedwithviolence。
　　"An’widalldehbringin’upshehad，howcouldshe？"
　　moaninglysheaskedofherson。"Widalldehtalkin’widherI
　　didan’deht’ingsItol’hertoremember？WhenagirlisbringedupdehwayIbringedupMaggie，howkinshegotehdehdevil？"
　　Jimmiewastransfixedbythesequestions。Hecouldnotconceivehowunderthecircumstanceshismother’sdaughterandhissistercouldhavebeensowicked。
　　Hismothertookadrinkfromasqudgybottlethatsatonthetable。Shecontinuedherlament。
　　"Shehadabadheart，datgirldid，Jimmie。Shewaswickedtehdehheartan’weneverknowedit。"
　　Jimmienodded，admittingthefact。
　　"Welivedindehsamehousewidheran’Ibroughtherupan’
　　weneverknowedhowbadshewas。"
　　Jimmienoddedagain。
　　"Widahomelikedisan’amudderlikeme，shewenttehdehbad，"criedthemother，raisinghereyes。
　　Oneday，Jimmiecamehome，satdowninachairandbegantowriggleaboutwithanewandstrangenervousness。Atlasthespokeshamefacedly。
　　"Well，look-a-here，dist’ingqueersus！See？We’requeered！
　　An’maybeit’udbebetterifI——well，It’inkIkinlook’erupan’——maybeit’udbebetterifIfetchedherhomean’——"
　　Themotherstartedfromherchairandbrokeforthintoastormofpassionateanger。
　　"What！Let’ercomean’sleepunderdehsameroofwidhermudderagin！Oh，yes，Iwill，won’tI？Sure？Shameonyehs，JimmieJohnson，forsayin’suchat’ingtehyerownmudder——tehyerownmudder！LittledidIt’inkwhenyehswasababbyplayin’aboutmefeetdatye’dgrowuptehsaysechat’ingtehyermudder——yerownmudder。Inevertaut——"
　　Sobschokedherandinterruptedherreproaches。
　　"Dereain’tnottin’tehraisesechhellabout，"saidJimmie。
　　"Ion’ysaysit’udbebetterifwekeepdist’ingdark，see？
　　Itqueersus！See？"
　　Hismotherlaughedalaughthatseemedtoringthroughthecityandbeechoedandre-echoedbycountlessotherlaughs。
　　"Oh，yes，Iwill，won’tI！Sure！"
　　"Well，yehmusttakemeferadamnfool，"saidJimmie，indignantathismotherformockinghim。"Ididn’tsaywe’dmake’erintehalittletinangel，nernottin’，butdehwayitisnowshecanqueerus！Don’chesee？"
　　"Aye，she’llgittiredofdehlifeatterawhilean’denshe’llwannabea-comin’home，won’she，dehbeast！I’lllet’erinden，won’I？"
　　"Well，Ididn’meannoneofdisprod’galbus’nessanyway，"
　　explainedJimmie。
　　"Itwasn’tnoprod’galdauter，yehdamnfool，"saidthemother。"Itwasprod’galson，anyhow。"
　　"Iknowdat，"saidJimmie。
　　Foratimetheysatinsilence。Themother’seyesgloatedonasceneherimaginationcouldcallbeforeher。Herlipsweresetinavindictivesmile。
　　"Aye，she’llcry，won’she，an’carryon，an’tellhowPete，orsomeodderfeller，beats’eran’she’llsayshe’ssorryan’alldatan’sheain’thappy，sheain’t，an’shewantstocomehomeagin，shedoes。"
　　Withgrimhumor，themotherimitatedthepossiblewailingnotesofthedaughter’svoice。
　　"DenI’lltake’erin，won’tI，dehbeast。Shekincry’ertwoeyesoutondehstonesofdehstreetbeforeI’lldirtydehplacewidher。
　　Sheabusedan’ill-treatedherownmudder——herownmudderwhatlovedheran’she’llnevergitanodderchancedissideofhell。"
　　Jimmiethoughthehadagreatideaofwomen’sfrailty，buthecouldnotunderstandwhyanyofhiskinshouldbevictims。
　　"Damnher，"hefervidlysaid。
　　Againhewonderedvaguelyifsomeofthewomenofhisacquaintancehadbrothers。Nevertheless，hisminddidnotforaninstantconfusehimselfwiththosebrothersnorhissisterwiththeirs。
　　Afterthemotherhad，withgreatdifficulty，suppressedtheneighbors，shewentamongthemandproclaimedhergrief。
　　"MayGawdforgivedatgirl，"washercontinualcry。Toattentiveearssherecitedthewholelengthandbreadthofherwoes。
　　"Ibringed’erupdehwayadauteroughtabebringedupan’
　　disishowsheservedme！Shewenttehdehdevildehfirstchanceshegot！MayGawdforgiveher。"
　　Whenarrestedfordrunkennesssheusedthestoryofherdaughter’sdownfallwithtellingeffectuponthepolicejustices。
　　Finallyoneofthemsaidtoher，peeringdownoverhisspectacles：
　　"Mary，therecordsofthisandothercourtsshowthatyouarethemotherofforty-twodaughterswhohavebeenruined。Thecaseisunparalleledintheannalsofthiscourt，andthiscourtthinks——"
　　Themotherwentthroughlifesheddinglargetearsofsorrow。
　　Herredfacewasapictureofagony。
　　OfcourseJimmiepubliclydamnedhissisterthathemightappearonahighersocialplane。But，arguingwithhimself，stumblingaboutinwaysthatheknewnot，he，once，almostcametoaconclusionthathissisterwouldhavebeenmorefirmlygoodhadshebetterknownwhy。However，hefeltthathecouldnotholdsuchaview。Hethrewithastilyaside。
　　chapter14
　　ChapterXIV
　　Inahilarioushallthereweretwenty-eighttablesandtwenty-
　　eightwomenandacrowdofsmokingmen。Valiantnoisewasmadeonastageattheendofthehallbyanorchestracomposedofmenwholookedasiftheyhadjusthappenedin。Soiledwaitersrantoandfro，swoopingdownlikehawksontheunwaryinthethrong；
　　clatteringalongtheaisleswithtrayscoveredwithglasses；
　　stumblingoverwomen’sskirtsandchargingtwopricesforeverythingbutbeer，allwithaswiftnessthatblurredtheviewofthecocoanutpalmsanddustymonstrositiespainteduponthewallsoftheroom。Abouncer，withanimmenseloadofbusinessuponhishands，plungedaboutinthecrowd，draggingbashfulstrangerstoprominentchairs，orderingwaitershereandthereandquarrelingfuriouslywithmenwhowantedtosingwiththeorchestra。
　　Theusualsmokecloudwaspresent，butsodensethatheadsandarmsseemedentangledinit。Therumbleofconversationwasreplacedbyaroar。Plenteousoathsheavedthroughtheair。
　　Theroomrangwiththeshrillvoicesofwomenbubblingo’erwithdrink-laughter。Thechiefelementinthemusicoftheorchestrawasspeed。Themusiciansplayedinintentfury。Awomanwassingingandsmilinguponthestage，butnoonetooknoticeofher。
　　Therateatwhichthepiano，cornetandviolinsweregoing，seemedtoimpartwildnesstothehalf-drunkencrowd。Beerglasseswereemptiedatagulpandconversationbecamearapidchatter。
　　Thesmokeeddiedandswirledlikeashadowyriverhurryingtowardsomeunseenfalls。PeteandMaggieenteredthehallandtookchairsatatablenearthedoor。ThewomanwhowasseatedtheremadeanattempttooccupyPete’sattentionand，failing，wentaway。
　　Threeweekshadpassedsincethegirlhadlefthome。Theairofspaniel-likedependencehadbeenmagnifiedandshoweditsdirecteffectinthepeculiaroff-handednessandeaseofPete’swaystowardher。
　　ShefollowedPete’seyeswithhers，anticipatingwithsmilesgraciouslooksfromhim。
　　Awomanofbrillianceandaudacity，accompaniedbyamereboy，cameintotheplaceandtookseatsnearthem。
　　AtoncePetesprangtohisfeet，hisfacebeamingwithgladsurprise。
　　"ByGawd，there’sNellie，"hecried。
　　Hewentovertothetableandheldoutaneagerhandtothewoman。
　　"Why，hello，Pete，meboy，howareyou，"saidshe，givinghimherfingers。
　　Maggietookinstantnoteofthewoman。Sheperceivedthatherblackdressfittedhertoperfection。Herlinencollarandcuffswerespotless。Tangloveswerestretchedoverherwell-shapedhands。Ahatofaprevailingfashionperchedjauntilyuponherdarkhair。Sheworenojewelryandwaspaintedwithnoapparentpaint。Shelookedclear-eyedthroughthestaresofthemen。
　　"Sitdown，andcallyourlady-friendover，"shesaidcordiallytoPete。
　　AthisbeckoningMaggiecameandsatbetweenPeteandthemereboy。
　　"Ithoughtyehweregoneawayfergood，"beganPete，atonce。
　　"Whendidyehgitback？HowdiddatBuff’lobus’nessturnout？"
　　Thewomanshruggedhershoulders。"Well，hedidn’thaveasmanystampsashetriedtomakeout，soIshookhim，that’sall。"
　　"Well，I’mgladtehseeyehsbackindehcity，"saidPete，withawkwardgallantry。
　　Heandthewomanenteredintoalongconversation，exchangingreminiscencesofdaystogether。Maggiesatstill，unabletoformulateanintelligentsentenceupontheconversationandpainfullyawareofit。
　　ShesawPete’seyessparkleashegazeduponthehandsomestranger。Helistenedsmilinglytoallshesaid。Thewomanwasfamiliarwithallhisaffairs，askedhimaboutmutualfriends，andknewtheamountofhissalary。
　　ShepaidnoattentiontoMaggie，lookingtowardheronceortwiceandapparentlyseeingthewallbeyond。
　　Themereboywassulky。Inthebeginninghehadwelcomedwithacclamationstheadditions。
　　"Let’sallhaveadrink！What’llyoutake，Nell？Andyou，Misswhat’s-your-name。Haveadrink，Mr。————-，you，Imean。"
　　Hehadshownasprightlydesiretodothetalkingforthecompanyandtellallabouthisfamily。Inaloudvoicehedeclaimedonvarioustopics。HeassumedapatronizingairtowardPete。
　　AsMaggiewassilent，hepaidnoattentiontoher。Hemadeagreatshowoflavishingwealthuponthewomanofbrillianceandaudacity。
　　"Dokeepstill，Freddie！Yougibberlikeanape，dear，"saidthewomantohim。SheturnedawayanddevotedherattentiontoPete。
　　"We’llhavemanyagoodtimetogetheragain，eh？"
　　"Sure，Mike，"saidPete，enthusiasticatonce。
　　"Say，"whisperedshe，leaningforward，"let’sgoovertoBillie’sandhaveaheluvatime。"
　　"Well，it’sdisway！See？"saidPete。Igotdisladyfrien’
　　here。"
　　"Oh，t’hellwithher，"arguedthewoman。
　　Peteappeareddisturbed。
　　"Allright，"saidshe，noddingherheadathim。"Allrightforyou！
　　We’llseethenexttimeyouaskmetogoanywhereswithyou。"
　　Petesquirmed。
　　"Say，"hesaid，beseechingly，"comewidmeaminitan’I’lltellyerwhy。"
　　Thewomanwavedherhand。
　　"Oh，that’sallright，youneedn’texplain，youknow。Youwouldn’tcomemerelybecauseyouwouldn’tcome，that’sallthereisofit。"
　　ToPete’svisibledistresssheturnedtothemereboy，bringinghimspeedilyfromaterrificrage。HehadbeendebatingwhetheritwouldbethepartofamantopickaquarrelwithPete，orwouldhebejustifiedinstrikinghimsavagelywithhisbeerglasswithoutwarning。Butherecoveredhimselfwhenthewomanturnedtorenewhersmilings。Hebeameduponherwithanexpressionthatwassomewhattipsyandinexpressiblytender。
　　"Say，shakethatBoweryjay，"requestedhe，inaloudwhisper。
　　"Freddie，youaresodroll，"shereplied。
　　Petereachedforwardandtouchedthewomanonthearm。
　　"ComeoutaminitwhileItellsyehwhyIcan’tgowidyer。
　　Yerdoin’medirt，Nell！Inevertautye’ddomedirt，Nell。
　　Comeon，willyer？"Hespokeintonesofinjury。
　　"Why，Idon’tseewhyIshouldbeinterestedinyourexplanations，"saidthewoman，withacoldnessthatseemedtoreducePetetoapulp。
　　Hiseyespleadedwithher。"ComeoutaminitwhileItellsyeh。"
　　ThewomannoddedslightlyatMaggieandthemereboy，"’Scuseme。"
　　ThemereboyinterruptedhislovingsmileandturnedashrivellingglareuponPete。Hisboyishcountenanceflushedandhespoke，inawhine，tothewoman：
　　"Oh，Isay，Nellie，thisain’tasquaredeal，youknow。Youaren’tgoin’toleavemeandgooffwiththatduffer，areyou？Ishouldthink——"
　　"Why，youdearboy，ofcourseI’mnot，"criedthewoman，affectionately。Shebendedoverandwhisperedinhisear。
　　Hesmiledagainandsettledinhischairasifresolvedtowaitpatiently。
　　Asthewomanwalkeddownbetweentherowsoftables，Petewasathershouldertalkingearnestly，apparentlyinexplanation。
　　Thewomanwavedherhandswithstudiedairsofindifference。
　　Thedoorsswungbehindthem，leavingMaggieandthemereboyseatedatthetable。