The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1921-04-16
Chapter 40
TIM

Chapter AZ
.. TIM
Ruth tossed about IN bed restlessly
ard wondered about Tim This was
the first time she had really ever been
alone-the first time in her life that
she had not been more or less sur
rounded by people who knew her. Even
when she had packed her mother and
father of to the South, there had been
Mrs. Belding and a whole village full Of
people with whom she was acquainted.
Then when her house was filed with
Toomers, she had almost never been
alone.
1t was 4 curious feeling, which she
had not yet learned to like. When
she fell asleep it was very late and so
she oversight the clearinghouse
breakfast hour the next day. Later
she wandered out, tired and feeling
little sick, to see, more of the city.
1t was all hers to see. She stood
on the torher of the street, wondering
which way she wanted to go. Here she
was in New York, here was everything
around her that she had dreamed of
seeing-and she suddenly did not want
to see anything. She wanted to go
hack home and cry. Yet she disliked
the boarding house
She went into a nearby cafe and
got a cup OF hot coffee and a roll.
That made her feel quite different; the
heat and stimulation cleared her
brain and drove away the blues. She
went back to the boarding house for
her guide book and map-and found
in the hall letter III Tins writing!
She tore it open trembling. 1t was
only line, will be up to see you
tonight at s."
That day she passed in feverish aim
lesSness. She never knew what she
saw-but she was dressed in her
incest blouse and her new suit, look
ing her best when Tim arrived.
1t was a curious meeting. Ruth held
out her hand. and they greeted each
other formally. like acquaintance.
She looked up at him silently for a
moment. His nice dark eyes were not
ready to squint up into laugh. Tim
was looking serious and a great deal
embarrassed
Wouldn't YOU like to see a show ?"
he asked. You've never been to a
real theater"
Ruth nodded, and they started out.
Somehow in the air, on the streets, it
was easier to be casual. Ruth was
glad OF the crowds. It took her mind
eff herself and the strain Of being
with Tim
All the ordinary talk, that seems
necessary when two people meet after
a long absence. was over before the
play. 1t was light comedy that had
Teen running all winter and Ruth, in
spite of herself. enjoyed it and was
over-awed at the splendor of the
theater and the lovely dresses of the
women.
She chartered easily of what she
had seen and done in the city, and told
him all the happenings OF home, as she
had told Myra.
But the play was over and they were
walking back. across town to the
boarding house, and the evening had
flown. AS they went on into the dark
er streets. Tim grew quiet, and SO did
Ruth. 1t was coming then-something
lie feared but did not know.
It, whatever it was, came when they
stood in the dimly-lit vestibule to say
goodnight.
e "Ill see you again soon," he said,
IF you want to-" Ruth answered in
a low voice.
But why not? or course I do"
Il haven't congratulated you yet on
your engagement. l hope you'll be
awfully happy
1t was out at last. A feeling OF
relief went over her that at least that
was over 1t had to be said-and now
it was done with.
You're a brick to say that Ruth,
Min sorry. | can't say anything,
explain anything, without being rotten
to Myra-and if I don't explain it
makes it look rather rotten to you
Please don't explain anything.
Ruth begged. sensing an emotional
scene coming and trying to avoid it
Its natural Myra should fall in love
with you. It's certainly natural you
should fall in love with her. She's
very pretty and sweet-and you were
free to do what you wanted"
"But-she-I didn't" Tim stumbled
along He wanted to tell how it had
happened. He hadn't meant to turn
from Ruth. He loved her, but he loved
Myra too. Ruth was the finer of the
two-he had felt awful when it first
never love anyone but Ruth-he won
dered whether he had hurt her when
ne became engaged to Myra-
Some of this he told her, in short
broken sentences that meant little &c
her in that moment of agitation, but
that she understood when she thought
of this evening afterWard.
SO I didn't write. l was plain
Coward--I couldn't" Tim ended. u
didn't think she would either. but she
said it was better for you to know
She doesn't know we-were engaged
or in love-
We weren't really engaged Ruth
>aid WANTING IN Soothe him her DitS