II

BRASS OUTSHINES GOLD

Hilda returned to her father's shop and was busy there until nine
o'clock. Then Sophie Liebers came and they went into the Avenue
for a walk. They pushed their way through and with the throngs
up into Tompkins Square--the center of one of the several vast
districts, little known because little written about, that
contain the real New York and the real New Yorkers. In the
Square several thousand young people were promenading, many of
the girls walking in pairs, almost all the young men paired off,
each with a young woman. It was warm, and the stars beamed down
upon the hearts of young lovers, blotting out for them electric
lights and surrounding crowds. It caused no comment there for a
young couple to walk hand in hand, looking each at the other with
the expression that makes commonplace eyes wonderful. And when
the sound of a kiss came from a somewhat secluded bench, the only
glances east in the direction whence it had come were glances of
approval or envy.

``There's Otto Heilig dogging us,'' said Hilda to Sophie, as they
walked up and down. ``Do you wonder I hate him?'' They talked
in American, as did all the young people, except with those of
their elders who could speak only German.

Sophie was silent. If Hilda had been noting her face she would
have seen a look of satisfaction.