When the performance was over she forced her way to Kitty's side, where
she remained in spite of all Thomas's palpable efforts to get her away.
Finally he proposed that they all go to supper at one of the coloured
cafes.

"You 'll see a lot o' the show people," he said.

"No, I reckon we 'd bettah go home," said Mrs. Hamilton decidedly. "De
chillen ain't ust to stayin' up all hours o' nights, an' I ain't anxious
fu' 'em to git ust to it."

She was conscious of a growing dislike for this man who treated her
daughter with such a proprietary air. Joe winced again at "de chillen."

Thomas bit his lip, and mentally said things that are unfit for
publication. Aloud he said, "Mebbe Miss Kitty 'ud like to go an' have a
little lunch."

"Oh, no, thank you," said the girl; "I 've had a nice time and I don't
care for a thing to eat."

Joe told himself that Kitty was the biggest fool that it had ever been
his lot to meet, and the disappointed suitor satisfied himself with the
reflection that the girl was green yet, but would get bravely over that.

He attempted to hold her hand as they parted at the parlour door, but
she drew her fingers out of his clasp and said, "Good-night; thank you,"
as if he had been one of her mother's old friends.

Joe lingered a little longer.