THE FRENZY OF EVELYN
It was not Dave but Evelyn who asked what it was.
"Washington," says I. "We'd better all keep it in mind."
Dave takes no notice of it. He's looking at Evelyn. Jon kicks me on the shin—I don't know what for to this day. But I hears Evelyn repeat, under her breath:
"Washington! Thank God! If you don't understand, you help—in your ignorance."
Dave turns on her savage.
"I love you," says he. "What has happened here makes no difference in that. But, you must be at least courteous to Jon and daddy—even when in this devil's mood. I will make you be—even if I have to beat you."
"What?" she asks, as if it wasn't possible that it was from Dave. "Did you say that you would beat me—me—you, Dave?"
And she inches up and touches him, mighty pitiful.
Dave pays no attention to the touch, but says, hard as iron:
207
