Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1921-05-04
CHAPTER CCIv.

For weeks Jim and 1 haven't given
each other any happiness. There's no
lodging that fact. Time was when no
matter how sadly we differed, we made
up for the hurts in the tenderness we
showed each other afterwards. Now Jim
sights and belittles mo and there isn't
any compromising tenderness later.
I've been wondering and wondering if
any man but one tired of his wife would
say calmly to her:
do you mean to tell me we've come
to the parting of the ways?"
I can't gloss over the fact that Jim
was almost brutality Indifferent to my
running away from Bettys because An
thony Norreys was there That must
mean he's lost the interest in me that
would once have made him wildly jealous
at the thought Of my visiting Terry and
Betty when Tony was theirs. I suppose
that in turn is explained by the inter-
est he feels In Valerie Cosby-the interest
he showed SO plainly on our week end
trip.
Since he doesn't care what do unless
my actions help or hinder him with his
business friends, and-if what he does no
longer matters to me. haven't we come to
the parting Of the ways? And If we have
do l care?
l don't know. / only know that met
Anthony Norreys for lunch. Six months
ago 1 wouldn't have dreamed OF doing
such a thing, but six months ago Jim and
l were happy.
Tony was waiting when I arrived at
the restaurant
WELCOMED" he said. 1--WE a table Mt
a sunny window looking out on the ave-
nue.. and there are pungent clans wait
ing to bride you to tell me why you ran
away from Bettys."
As we crossed TO our table. I wondered
II Tony actually knew liked clans and
sunny windows. or If we merely happened
to have those tastes IN common. As soon
as we were seated asked him. His eyes
twinkled as he replied:
oysters are too gray for you. Pink
clans and sunshine are Just right. child.
As matter Of fact, though. you men
toned your preferences-a lot Of EN-
The night you and Betty and I formed
our Friendship Club. Now that I've led
gracefully round to friendship again, tell
me why you ran away from this friend
he is 4 friend. isn't he?"
Otherwise I wouldn't be here" re-
Piled gravely. But why do you persist
In saying I ran away?"
Your bag at the station"
As he said tnat terseiy, noticed again
now rugged and sturdy Tony's chin Is.
A chin like his doesn't put up with
eq1ivocahons 1t demands truth, whether
sweet or bitter.
Il did ran away" I confessed. TT
you'll think back TO the day Of Rettv's
wedding. aud the way Jim showed his
feeling about the charity job you gave
him you'll not need to ask me any more
questions"
For a moment. Tonys face looked even
gaunter than usual. Then he said:
Il see. want your friendship Want
1t very much, child But not II It's going
to cost you too much. Don't decide
quickly"
But there's nothing to decide
cried with the splendid feeling that comes
from knowing what you want to DO and
knowing you'll do It. Your friend
ships mine. \ feel sure Of that without
pretense or question. And my friend
ships yours. I can't any more change
th8t than l can change the color of my
eyes"
That's splendid. Anne. can't tell
you how much il mems to an ugly ola
chap Ike me to know possess the
friendship OF a radiant young spring
time creature like you But If it's going
TO cause you any unpIea santneSa with
that fine young chap you've married. IN
keep out Of your way aud still get Joy
from knowing we're friends"
What's the good Of being friends with
folks If you don't see emf" l asked
pertly.
"ThaDTas youth speaking, child" re-
piled Anthony Norreys with n wise. kind
smile. Friendship and faith are good
with the sens between them. But thov'ra
no GOOD II they cause hurt or disseuslon. "
But ours won't cause hurt or dlgsep-