The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1921-02-04
Chapter 95
LOYALTY

talked with Toots for awhile before
Joining Francis.
Il didn't want to come ill.," she told
me. Il was too nervous to hear his
testimony. Besides, they wouldn't let
nie. We're married.
AS proof, she took her left hand
from her muff. and showed me the
heavy gold band on her finger. Beside
it was her engagement rinG-a dia-
mond solitaire much too large for her
finger and much too large for good
taste.
Toots followed my look.
pete bought it when he had a run
Of luck she explained. He said l
could hook it if he got in trouble. l
guess the times come for that
'Oh. I hope not" l put in hastily.
Il don't care" she answered. Hell
get another when he's flush again"
She told me her brother was wait
ing for her downstairs, and after a
little more talk, went over to Francis
and Mr.. Mills.
This thing is dragging slowly"
Francis said, land you look tired, so
I'm going to send you home. My driv-
sr will take you up to your place. and
you'll be quite safe. It's midnight
aow.'
But Bud"
I'll go back and see what I can do
about him. don't like the way this
affair looks. His evidence was very
bad. The boy isn't bad, but I'm afraid
be is weak at times. That mistake
about seeing Pete was an idiotic one
I'd forgive crime much sooner than
Stupidity
| felt terribly depressed--but there
VAS nothing to do but go down to the
Ear, and allow myself to be tucked in.
Francis gave the address to the driver.
and then turned back, pretending to
, adjust my rug again. He switched off
.he Highland for a moment we were
alone in the closed car. Francis stand
ing on the step. He leaned over and
kissed my lips lightly
And the depression left me at once.
After all, everything would be all
-ight-Francis had charge of it.
Don't worry" he whispered. eco
back and have a good nights sleep.
ri telephone you tomorrow after
noon"
II caught his hand and hold it
then the door was closed and l was
being driven slowly up the deserted,
snow covered streets.
And in spite of nv worry about Bud.
and the effect of all this on Violet,
could not be unhappy. l leaned back
among the soft cushions. watching the
patches of light come out of the dark
ness as we passed the street lamps.
belonged to Francis Mead-and he was
Juite the most wonderful man in the
world.
slipped off my glove and watched
he clear sparkle of my ring in the
lalf ELECTROMAGNETIC the enormous
diamond that little Toots was wearing
and its shiny gold. | held mine up
oricht symbol of my present happiness
md my future Joy. I had never been
1appy until lately when l first loved
Francis. But it was worth going
through a life thousand times worse
to feel as wonderfully contented, as
supremely glad as was on this snowy
Christmas night
Then I came back from my rose col
Bred revere as the car stopped at the
ioor of the little house we lived ir.
.roped for the door of our tiny apart
mont Inside was my family. | felt
guilty then. For Esther. undressed
md rolled in her red flannel wrapper
vas asleep on the cOuch-which she
n 1sod for a bed while she was visiting
= 1s-and curled up in the chair in her
aimono was Violet, reading to keep
awake.
I'm sorry to be late l apologized
Ard my voice woke Esther, who sat up
clubbing the sleep from her little