Just then the door-bell rings, and they was sounds of kissin' by women principals in the hall. In walks the wife with what looks to me like a opium-eater's dream and a Fifth Avenue evenin' gown model combined. Alex takes one flash and turns red, white and blue. 

 "This is my friend Eve Rossiter," says the wife.  "My husband, Eve, and my cousin, Alex Hanley." 

 "Charmed!" breathes Eve, pullin' a smile that lit up the room. 

 "Me and you both!" I says. 

 But Alex clears his throat, grits his teeth and flushes up. They was a glitter in his eye and he begins to talk fast and hard. 

 "Howdy, Miss Rossiter!" he says, shakin' hands like he was bein' give a knockdown to the new bartender.  "I'm astounded to meet you! I just come to New York to-day, but if I'd of knowed you was here, I'd of been here long ago. However, I'm here now and better late than forever, as the feller says. I just bet my cousin here that the first thing I tried my hand at in New York I'd make good. I'm goin' out to-morrow and show him how easy it is for a feller to get to the top in this here prize rube burg, provided he has now gumption and his methods is new. I'll see you to-morrow night and let you know how I made out; I know you won't have no peace till you hear about it!"  He digs into his pockets feverishly and grabs out a handful of letters.  "Here's what they thought of me up in Vermont!" he goes on, never takin' his eyes off the girl's face. The wife is starin' at him with her mouth and eyes as open as a crap tourney, like she figured he'd gone nutty—and me and Little Eva is runnin' neck and neck at tryin' to keep from laughin'.  "They say a man that can make good in New York can make good anywhere," he goes on, throwin' the clutch into high again.  "I say a man that can make good anywhere can make good in New York! What's the difference between New York and Goose Creek, Iowa?—New York's got more people in it, that's all! It's harder—" 

 "Alex, Alex!" butts in the wife, finally regainin' control of her voice.  "What is the matter with you? You—" 

 "Hush!" says Alex, turnin' back to Eve again.  "It's harder to make good in a little town than it is in a big one, because—" 

 "Alex, look here!" cuts in the wife, gettin' sore.  "Miss Rossiter ain't interested in that patter of yours—we're goin' to the theatre. Now both you men run along and dress, we'll miss half the show as it is!" 

 Prev. P 11/122 next