per, “the madam is a jewel of the first water. Ye’re a lucky dog.”
“Big Jim” walked homeward with his wife. She seemed quite as pleased with the lights and show windows in the streets as with the admiration of the men in Hoogley’s. As they passed Seltzer’s they heard the sound of many voices in the café. The boys would be starting the drinks around now and discussing past performances.
At the door of their home Delia paused. The pleasure of the outing radiated softly from her countenance. She could not hope for Jim of evenings, but the glory of this one would lighten her lonely hours for a long time.
“Thank you for taking me out, Jim,” she said, gratefully. “You’ll be going back up to Seltzer’s now, of course.”
“To ——— with Seltzer’s,” said “Big Jim,” emphatically. “And d——— Pat Corrigan! Does he think I haven’t got any eyes?”
And the door closed behind both of them.
[39]
