The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1922-01-21
JANE DECIDES
Chapter Go

For several days the mother was
unusually silent. The three problems
weighed upon her
The result of her visit to Claire was
nothing. Claire asked her to tell
Luther she would consent to divorce.
They had quarreled, and made up, and
she had left without promising, or
even repeating her refusal.
Luther was home a great deal now.
Claire probably had refused to see him
any more. Often, silently, he would
get up after he had finished his pipe,
when the early dinner was over, and
go out alone. And a little after II
he would come back alone
He ought to buy season ticket for
Claire's show" Amy remarked flip
PANTY once when he went out. He'd
save money that way"
One night Mrs. Talbot asked him
where he was going. He said TO
the theatre"
I'D love to see Claire act" she an
nounced 'Will you take me?" Luth-
er protested that she would be shock
ed" But she went and was not
shocked. She had been to several
plays, carefully chosen for their in
nocuous qualities by Amy, and to half
a dozen operas. She found herself
feeling quite excited at the prospect
of brilliant lights and colorful cos
tunes as she and Luther climbed on
a bus and rode downtown through the
warm spring evening
Claire appeared first as SNOWFALL
girl The costume was a big puff of
white satin, something like a chiid's
rompers, cut very low and without
sleeves, but with band of white fur
around her neck, and straps of white
fur around her wrists, and close fit
ting white fur cap-an odd contrast
of fur decollete that was most at
tractive. The boomers ended way
above the knees, showing white silk
tights and high white kid shoes band
ed with white fur. She sang a rollick-
ing little song and was pelted with
imitation snowballs during the chorus.
This was her star feature. The
rest of the time she took part with
others, once in Dutch costume that
made her extremely young and de-
mure; and once in a dignifed Eliza
Eethan dress, where she did state
ly dance; and several times in the
fantastic, abbreviated dresses popular
that winter.
Il suppose you'll disapproye of
Claire more than ever now, since you
have seen her like this" Luther re-
marked.
NO, why should | disapprove
These girls aren't just like girls in a
drawing room; they're just part of a
bright colored picture
That was her answer, an answer
that made Luther stare with amaze.
ment We'll. you are getting on
he commented, thinking of the violent
denunciation that would have follow,
ed Claire's first appearance, some
months before.
Mrs Talbot suddenly saw way
into Luther's confidence Up to this
time he had never mentioned Claire
except to defend her against criticism
Mrs Talbot began talking of Claire
as they left the theatre, and of some
of her pretty coaxing ways, and of her
generosity toward Amy when Amy
first came to the city
II thought you always disliket
Claire" Luther said.
Not at all; | like her very much
She's-of course, she rebels a little
against restraint or criticism, but thai
is natural all pretty girls are a littl,
spoiled"
Il suppose you'll hate her if | tel
you she wants to get rid of me en-
tirely," Luther said. Ard he waited
for denunciation.
There was a silence. Then
OF course | don't approve of di
vorce. But if two people cannot ge
along with each other. ! agree they
should be apart. And if they are go
ing to live apart. which certainly il
rot being married, they might as wei
be legally, as we'll as physically free
But mind that's not saying | approve
Ct divorce"
Amy wasn't sure she meant all sh,
said in that speech. But she was Try
ing desperately to win Luther's entirt
confidence. Already he had been re
warded with some OF it.
Then you think ought to let Clair,
set rid Of me entirely?"
Another silence
II don't think Claire knows her owl
mind Mrs. Talbot answered slowly
Il wouldn't do anything yet But
certainly would not try to see her
! would not even go to her show
these doormon all know you: the