There was a rap on the side door. Henry looked through the peek and opened the door to Jenny. Cokey was dolled up in a flowery dress with a streaming bow in the back, flesh stockings, patent leather shoes and a black picture hat. A belligerent smile curled at the corners of her lips and cold hate flared in steel eyes, as she confronted Babe.

“Hello, Jenny,” Babe greeted her. “Say, don’t you look like Small’s all lit up? Must have hit the numbers or cleaned up on the Derby. Anyway, looks like Alec, the Greek florist, is keepin’ you in clothes from the look of that dress.”

“The hell you say!” Cokey Jenny jabbed a doubled-up fist against her lips. “Well, they ain’t no ham prize-fighter’s last shirt. If I got clothes it’s from guys that can afford to pay for ’em.”

“You’ve always been very particular how you picked up your cash, ain’t you, Jenny?” Babe said with a laugh.

“Never made a laugh of myself the way you done. And you high-hattin’ me ’cause you got respectable and married. I’m not good enough for you no more.”

“I couldn’t help it, Jenny—not seein’ you—because Charlie wouldn’t let us see anyone uptown till after the big fight was over. Honest, Jen, I missed you awful. I wanted to see you, but Charlie and the Bearcat was always around and I couldn’t get away. Charlie put the knocks in against me with the Bearcat. I been tryin’ to get you on the phone for weeks.” Of course, Babe was lying with her usual ease. “Oh, listen, Jen, I got a lot of new things, and I picked out two dresses and a coat that will look great on you with a little fixing.”

Babe had found the way to her old pal’s heart. Jenny softened when she heard about the dresses.

“Yeah?” she said interestedly. “Ya mean that, Babe?”

“Don’t mean nothin’ else,” Babe answered. “But, gee, it’s good to see you, kid, and you look swell too. Honest, our separatin’ has been a blessin’ for you. Look at you. Must be a hostess in some chop suey dance hall.”

Jenny grinned.

“The Pavillion. I got the cigarettes there.”

“Yeah?” Babe appeared to be astonished.

“Harry and Lou put me up there. They often speak of you, Babe, and your swell parties. Must have had some snow around.”

“What are you drinkin’, Jen?” Babe inquired. She thought: “I’ve got to find out about this business with Harry and Lou. There may be something doing for me.”

“I’ll take rye,” Jenny replied to Babe’s question.

Babe turned to the bartender.

“Gimme a half-pint of rye, Henry.”

“Yes, Miss Gordon.” Henry reached down under the bar and stood the requested half-pint on the polished top.

Babe drew the cork and filled a glass for Jenny.