The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1921-08-29
A NEW CRISIS
Chapter AZ.


But my father did not dislike Win
throp. AS a matter of fact, | think
eventually he liked him better than he
liked me. He fitted in and out OF our
lives that winter and spring, always
bringing with him that cynical, sophis-
ticated atmosphere that | personally
hated and that Win delighted in.
When they met, Win faced him
squarely
I'm glad to meet you, sir" he said.
And hope you'll like me, or at least
tolerate me- Aunt Harriet does that
much anyway. | eloped with your
daughter because | was in love with
her, not because she was supposed to
have money ! have enough of that,
and | shall not touch hers and do not
wish her to touch it while | am alive
10 look after her"
Very noble sentiments" my father
commented drily Il suppose you are
still in love, and money means nothing
TO either of you
Win began to smile little.
We've only been married seven
months or so, and were not badly in
debt as yet"
Father laughed at that
You have a sense OF humor, ] see.
Ii one has that. all other sins may be
forgiven.
Father stayed for dinner that night.
But our small apartment and our COM
paratively simple dinner was evident
ly something he endured with polite
ness but did not relish. Yet our es
adjustment was really very expensive
and certainly beyond our income. He
left early. He would not stay with
us, and he would not stay at his sis
ter's. He said she mixed Italian Re
naissanco with Early English and
added a touch of Spanish. and the re-
suit gave him a headache to look at.
He lived at his club.
And because ne was around some
how or other our expenses increased.
Win had my car done over, because
he was ashamed of it before father.
Win arranged parties where 500 melt
ed in one evening, though they were
never largo parties at that.
Win thought he was doing the prop
er thing. AS a matter of fact, my poor
dear father was so used to this that it
meant nothing to him at all. But l
knew we could not stand it, yet
seemed helpless to stop it.
I'm taking your father up to
Gwendolyns this evening" Win an
nounced once. Are you coming?"
mo thanks" | answered with cheer
full indifference. I'm going to the
theatre"
II told you where ! was going" he
said it almost as a plea, so much so
had to smile at him. After all, there
was an enormous amount OF the small
boy in Winthrop.
Il don't mind telling you where I'm
going" | answered. I'm going with
Colin to see some Irish plays, given
by an amateur company downtown.
There was no comment on this, eX
cept from my father.
''At least Constance has a little in
dependence. / was sure she'd be a
cinging vine. Most wives are. They
seem to think their husbands cannot
get enough of their society"
I'm sure you'll approve of Gwen.
dolyn," was all | answered to this.
He did Next evening he came over
and he and Win sat talking business.
Ovens been urging me for some
time to 90 into partnership in my
firm" Win explained. The firm was
rev when I was taken on, | could buy
= povtrership. Probably buy an in
q re { cNeaply now while we are still
new and making our way. Now your
father wants ME TO do it,
"Oh yes. it's the only thing. Moth
ing but an office worker. a stock ano
bond salesman now. Never get any
where"
IN write mother tonight for the
money" Win was enthused over the
idea and | was enthused over any idea
that pleased him.
He wrote and we waited for the an
swer Meanwhile Gwendolyn gave {
large and very smart reception. Faith
err went, of course. He was asked ev
erywhere, he knew everyone. He haC
even met Gwendolyn in Paris.
Did her hair differently then,
think she wore it black that winter
he remarked. Yes, she did. Goa
black. Eugene was her hair dresse
very clever at making women lool
like everything they aren't"
"But-isn't it red?" Win looked hi
Amusement.
We were in Ovens own librar
while we talked. Father turned ant
called Gwen to us.