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第9章 怼名宿，进决赛

　　Drouet was just finishing a little incident he was relating, andhis face was expanding into a smile, when Hurstwood's eye caughthis own. The latter had come in with several friends, and,seeing Drouet and some woman, not Carrie, drew his ownconclusion.

　　"Oh, there won't be much of that," he answered. "They've calledout the police. Any one who wants to run a car will be protectedall right."

　　Hurstwood gazed with slightly parted lips. Drouet was fidgetingwith satisfaction.

　　On the morrow Carrie reported promptly and was given a place inthe line. She saw a large, empty, shadowy play-house, stillredolent of the perfumes and blazonry of the night, and notablefor its rich, oriental appearance. The wonder of it awed anddelighted her. Blessed be its wondrous reality. How hard shewould try to be worthy of it. It was above the common mass,above idleness, above want, above insignificance. People came toit in finery and carriages to see. It was ever a centre of lightand mirth. And here she was of it. Oh, if she could onlyremain, how happy would be her days!

　　"Better get it, then; your car won't be ready for a littlewhile."

　　"Well," said Carrie, hesitating how to begin, "do you get placesfor persons upon the stage?"

　　Carrie heard this, flushing with thankfulness. She liked thislittle gaslight soldier. She seemed so experienced and self-reliant in her tinsel helmet and military accoutrements.

　　Carrie smiled.

　　Outside in the little lobby another scene was begin enacted.Without the interest of Hurstwood, the little hall would probablyhave been comfortably filled, for the members of the lodge weremoderately interested in its welfare. Hurstwood's word, however,had gone the rounds. It was to be a full-dress affair. The fourboxes had been taken. Dr. Norman McNeill Hale and his wife wereto occupy one. This was quite a card. C. R. Walker, dry-goodsmerchant and possessor of at least two hundred thousand dollars,had taken another; a well-known coal merchant had been induced totake the third, and Hurstwood and his friends the fourth. Amongthe latter was Drouet. The people who were now pouring here werenot celebrities, nor even local notabilities, in a general sense.They were the lights of a certain circle--the circle of smallfortunes and secret order distinctions. These gentlemen Elksknew the standing of one another. They had regard for theability which could amass a small fortune, own a nice home, keepa barouche