George Evans was in here Saturday and said he saw you in Milwaukee last week.
Yes, I saw George, returned Drouet. Great old boy, isnt he? We had quite a time there together.
The barkeeper was setting out the glasses and bottle before them, and they now poured out the draught as they talked, Drouet filling his to within a third of full, as was considered proper, and Hurstwood taking the barest suggestion of whiskey and modifying it with seltzer.
Whats become of Caryoe? remarked Hurstwood I havent seen him around here in two weeks.
Laid up, they say, exclaimed Drouet. Say, hes a gouty old boy![22]
I guess he cant hurt the business very much, though, with the other members all there.
No, he cant injure that any, I guess.
Hurstwood was standing, his coat open, his thumbs in his pockets, the light on his jewels and rings relieving them with agreeable distinctness. He was the picture of fastidious comfort.
See that a fellow coming in there? said Hurstwood, glancing at a gentlemen just entering, arrayed in a high hat and Prince Albert coat[23], his fat cheeks puffed and red as with good eating.
No, where? said Drouet.
There, said Hurstwood, indicating the direction by a cast of his eye, the man with the silk hat.
Oh, yes, said Drouet, now affecting not to see. Who is he?
Thats Jules Wallace, the spiritualist.
Drouet followed him with his eyes, much interested.
Doesnt look much like a man who sees spirits, does he? said Drouet.
Oh, I dont know, returned Hurstwood. Hes got the money, all right, and a little twinkle passed over his eyes.
I dont go much on those things, do you? asked Drouet.
Well, you never can tell, said Hurstwood. There may be something to it. I wouldnt bother about it myself, though. By the way, he added, are you going anywhere to-night?
The Hole in the Ground, said Drouet, mentioning the popular farce of the time.
Well, youd better be going. Its half after eight already, and he drew out his watch.
The crowd was already thinning out considerably, some bound for the theatres, some to their clubs, and some to that most fascinating of all the pleasures for the type of man there represented, at least the ladies.
Yes, I will, said Drouet.
Come around after the show. I have something I want to show you, said Hurstwood.
Sure, said Drouet, elated.
You havent anything on hand for the night, have you? added Hurstwood.
Not a thing.
Well, come round, then.
I struck a little peach coming in on the train Friday, remarked Drouet, by way of parting. By George, thats so, I must go and call on her before I go away.
Oh, never mind her, Hurstwood remarked.
Say, she was a little dandy, I tell you, went on Drouet confidentially, and trying to impress his friend.
Twelve oclock, said Hurstwood.
Thats right, said Drouet, going out.
Thus was Carries name bandied about in the most frivolous and gay of places, and that also when the little toiler was bemoaning her narrow lot[24], which was almost inseparable from the early stages of this, her unfolding fate.
Chapter VI
The Machine and the Maiden: A Knight of To-Day
At the flat that evening Carrie felt a new phase of its atmosphere. The fact that it was unchanged, while her feelings were different, increased her knowledge of its character. Minnie, after the good spirits Carrie manifested at first, expected a fair report. Hanson supposed that Carrie would be satisfied.
Well, he said, as he came in from the hall in his working clothes, and looked at Carrie through the dining-room door, how did you make out?
Oh, said Carrie, its pretty hard. I dont like it.
There was an air about her which showed plainer than any words that she was both weary and disappointed.
What sort of work is it? he asked, lingering a moment as he turned upon his heel to go into the bathroom.
Running a machine, answered Carrie.
To Carrie, the one relief of the whole day would have been a jolly home, a sympathetic reception, a bright supper table, and some one to say: Oh, well stand it a little while. You will get something better, put now this was ashes. She began to see that they looked upon her complaint as unwarranted, and that she was supposed to work on and say nothing. She knew that she was to pay four dollar for her board and room, and now she felt that it would be an exceedingly gloomy round living with these people.
She had forgotten, in considering and explaining the result of her day, that Drouet might come. Now, when she saw how unreceptive these two people were, she hoped he would not. She did not know exactly what she would do or how she would explain to Drouet, if he came. After supper she changed her clothes. When she was trimly dressed she was rather a sweet little being, with large eyes and a sad mouth. Her face expressed the mingled expectancy, dissatisfaction, and depression she felt. She wandered about after the dishes were put away, talked a little with Minnie, and then decided to go down and stand in the door at the foot of the stairs. If Drouet came, she could meet him there. Her face took on the semblance of a look of happiness as she put on her hat to go below.
The life of the streets contained for a long time to interest Carrie. She never wearied of wondering where the people in the cars were going or what their enjoyments were. Her imagination trod a very narrow round, always winding up at points which concerned money, looks, clothes or enjoyment. She would have a far-off thought of Columbia City now and then, or an irritating rush of feeling concerning her experiences of the present day, but, on the whole, the little world about her enlisted her whole attention.
During the remainder of the week it was very much the same. One or two nights she found herself too tried to walk home, and expended car fare. She was not very strong, and sitting all day affected her back. She went to bed one night before Hanson.
Transplantation is not always successful in the matter of flowers or maidens. It requires sometimes a richer soil, a better atmosphere to continue even a natural growth. It would have been better if her acclimatization had been more gradual less rigid. She would have done better if she had not secured a position so quickly, and had seen more of the city which she constantly troubled to know about.
On the first morning it rained she found that she had no umbrella. Minnie loaned her one of hers, which was worn and faded. There was the kind of vanity in Carrie that troubled at this. She went to one of the great department stores and bought herself one, using a dollar and a quarter of her small store to pay for it.
What did you do that for, Carrie? asked Minnie, when she saw it.
Oh, I need one, said Carrie.
You foolish girl.
Carrie resented this, though she did not reply. She was not going to be a common shop-girl, she thought; they need not think it, either.
One the first Saturday night Carrie paid her board, four dollars. Minnie had a quaver of conscience as she took it, but did not know how to explain to Hanson if she took less. That worthy gave up just four dollar less toward the household expenses with a smile of satisfaction. He contemplated increasing his Building and Loan payments. As for Carrie, she studied over the problem of finding clothes and amusement on fifty cents a week. She brooded over this until she was in a state of mental rebellion.
Im going up the street for a walk, she said after supper.
Not alone, are you? asked Hanson.
Yes, returned Carrie.
I wouldnt, said Minnie.
I want to see something, said Carrie, and by the tone she put into the last word they realized for the first time she was not pleased with them.
Whats the matter with her? asked Hanson, when she went into the front room to get her hat.
I dont know, said Minnie.
Well, she ought to know better than to want to go out alone.
Carrie did not go very far, after all. She returned and stood in the door.
There came a day when the first premonitory blast of winter swept over the city. It scudded the fleecy clouds in the heavens, trailed long, thin streamers of smoke from the tall stacks, and raced about the streets and corners in sharp and sudden puffs. Carrie now felt the problem of winter clothes. What was she to do? She had no winter jacket, no hat, no shoes. It was difficult to speak to Minnie about this, but at last she summoned the courage.
I dont know what Im going to do about clothes, she said one evening when they were together. I need a hat.
Minnie looked serious.
Why dont you keep part of your money and buy yourself one? she suggested, worried over the situation which the withholding of Carries money would create.
Id like to for a week or so, if you dont mind, ventured Carrie.
Could you pay two dollars? asked Minnie.
Carrie readily acquiesced, glad to escape the trying situation, and liberal now that she saw a way out. She was elated and began figuring at once. She needed a hat first of all. How Minnie explained to Hanson she never knew. He said nothing at all, but there were thoughts in the air which left disagreeable impressions.
The new arrangement might have worked if sickness had not intervened. It blew up cold after a rain one afternoon when Carrie was still without a jacket. She came out of the warm shop at six and shivered as the wind struck her. In the morning she was sneezing, and going down town made it worse. That day her bones ached and she felt light-headed. Towards evening she felt very ill, and when she reached home was not hungry. Minnie noticed her drooping actions and asked her about herself.
I dont know, said Carrie. I feel real bad.
She hung about the stove, suffered a chattering chill, and went to bed sick. The next morning she was thoroughly feverish.
Minnie was truly distressed at this, but maintained a kindly demeanour. Hanson said perhaps she had better go back home for a while. When she got up after three days, it was taken for granted that her position was lost. The winter was near at hand, she had no clothes, and now she was out of work.
I dont know, said Carrie; Ill go down Monday and see if I cant get something.
If anything, her efforts were more poorly rewarded on this trail than the last. Her clothes were nothing suitable for fall wearing. Her last money she had spent for a hat. For three days she wandered about, utterly dispirited. The attitude of the flat was fast becoming unbearable. She hated to think of going back there each evening. Hanson was so cold. She knew it could not last much longer. Shortly she would have to give up and go home.
On the fourth day she was down town all day, having borrowed ten cents for lunch from Minnie. She had applied in the cheapest kind of places without success. She even answered for a waitress in a small restaurant where she saw a card in the window, but they wanted an experienced girl. She moved through the thick throng of strangers, utterly subdued in spirit. Suddenly a hand pulled her arm and turned her about.
Well, well! said a voice. In the first glance she beheld Drouet. He was not only rosy-cheeked, but radiant. He was the essence of sunshine and good-humour.
Why, how are you, Carrie? he said. Youre a daisy. Where have you been?
Carrie smiled under his irresistible flood of geniality.
Ive been out home, she said.
Well, he said, I saw you across the street there. I thought it was you. I was just coming out to your place.
How are you, anywhere?
Im all right, said Carrie, smiling.
Drouet looked her over and saw something different.
Well, he said, I want to talk to you. Youre not going anywhere in particular, are you?
Not just now, said Carrie.
Lets go up here and have something to eat. George! but Im glad to see you again.
She felt so relieved in his radiant presence, so much looked after and cared for, that she assented gladly, though with the slightest air of holding back.
Well, he said, as he took her arm and there was an exuberance of good-fellowship in the word which fairly warmed the cockles of her heart.[25]
They went through Monroe Street to the old Windson dining-room, which was then a large, comfortable place with an excellent cuisine and substantial service. Drouet selected a table close by the window, where the busy route of the street could be seen. He loved the changing panorama of the street to see and be seen as he dined.
Now, he said, getting Carrie and himself comfortably settled, what will you have?
Carrie looked over the large bill of fare which the waiter handed her without really considering it. She was very hungry, and the things she saw there awakened her desires, but the high prices held her attention. Half broiled spring chicken seventy-five. Sirloin steak with mushrooms one twenty-five. She had dimly heard of these things, but it seemed strange to be called to order from the list.
Ill fix this, exclaimed Drouet. Sst! waiter.
That officer of the board, a full-chested, round-faced negro, approached, and inclined his ear.
Sirloin with mushrooms, said Drouet. Stuffed tomatoes.
Yassah, assented the negro, nodding his head.
Hashed brown potatoes.[26]
Yassah.
Asparagus.
Yassah.
And a pot of coffee.
Drouet turned to Carrie. I havent had a thing since breakfast.
Just got in from Rock Island. I was going off to dine when I saw you.
Carrie smiled and smiled.
What have you been doing? he went on. Tell me all about yourself. How is your sister?
Shes well, returned Carrie, answering the last query.
He looked at her hard.
Say, he said, you havent been sick, have you?
Carrie nodded.
Well, now thats a blooming shame, isnt it? You dont look very well. I thought you looked a little pale.
What have you been doing?
Working, said Carrie.
You dont say so! At what?
She told him.
Rhodes, Morgenthua and Scott why I know that house.
Over here on Fifth Avenue, isnt it? Theyre a close-fisted concern.
What made you go there?
I couldnt get anything else, said Carrie frankly.
Well, thats an outrage, said Drouet. You oughtnt to be working for those people. Have the factory right back of the store, dont they?
Yes, said Carrie.
That isnt a good house, said Drouet. You dont want to work at anything like that, anyhow.
So you lost your place because you got sick, eh? he said.
What are you going to do now?
Look around, she said, a thought of the need that hung outside this fine restaurant like a hungry dog at her wheels passing into her eyes.