The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1922-12-02

was about that day"
He doesn't remember faces well,
said Sylvia, land wouldn't be likely
to know you"
Az Mrs. Owen asked Dan to her
office at once, it was unnecessary for
Sylvia TO introduce him TO her grand
father.
Alone with Mrs Owen. Dams husi-
ness was quickly transacted. When
she had signed her name, and while
Dan was filing In the certificate, she
scrutinized him closely.
You're in Mr. Fftch's Office, are
yOu?" she inquired.
Not now: but L was there for
time. happened 70 call on Mr.. Fitch
this evening and he asked me to
bring the deed over"
LET me see. don't believe know
any Harwoods here"
It haven't been here long enough to
be known" answered Dan, looking
up and smiling.
Mrs. Owen removed her hat and
tossed it on a little stand, As though
hats were a nuisance in this world
and not worthy of serious cOnsidela-
ton. She continued her Observa-
ton OF Dan, who was applying blot
ter to his signature
"I'u have TO take this 10 my Of
fee to afix the seal. I'm to give 1t to
Mr. Wright in the morning for re-
cording"
Where is your Office, Mr., Har-
wood?" she aswed fatty.
''Boordman building" answered
Dan. sIrprtsed to find himself uncom-
Portable under her direct, penetrat-
ing gaze.
'Humphl So you're Morton Bas-
sett's young man who was written
UP in the Advertiser
MIR. Bassett has given me chance
TO read law in his Office. He's a
prominent man and the Advertiser
chose to put its own Interpretation
on his kindness 70 me. That's all,
answered Dan with dignity.
sit still q minute l forget some
times that all the folks around here
Cont know me. I didn't mean to
be inouisItive, or iisagreeable; I was
lust looking for information I took
notice Of that Advertisers piece be
cause Mr.. Bassett married my niece,
50 I'm naturally interested in what he
does"
yes. Mrs owen. I understand.
Dan had heard q good deal about
Mrs. Sally Owen, in one way or
another. and persuaded now. by her
change OF tone. that she had no in
tention OF pilIorying him for Bassett's
rnfsdeeds. he began Ia enjoy his IN
expected cOlloquy with her. She bent
forward and cIasDed her veined, bOny
hands on the table.
I'm glad Of chance to talk TO
you. It's providentiaI. your turning
up this way. ] just came to town
yesterday and Edward Thatcher
cropped in last night and got to talk
ing 10 me about his boy"
"Anen?"
Dan was greatly surprised at this
turn Of the conversation. Mrs.
OWENS tone was wholly kind, and
she seemed deeply in earnest
YES. mean Allen Thatcher. His
father says he's taken a great shine
10 you. I hardly know the boy. but
he's a little queer and he's always
been a little sickly. Edward doesn't
know how TO handle him, and the
Terre Haute BartloWs, and those
people never would stay put. Ed
wards made too much money for his
wife's good, and the United States
amt big enough for her and the
girls. But that boy got tired O gal
wanting around over there. and he's
'ack here on Edwards hands. The
boys gaits are too much for Edward.
lie say YOU and Allen get on we'll to-
~ether. met him in the bank today
md he asked me about you
Il like Allen;-E'm even very fond
Of him and I wish I could help him
find himself. He's amusing
Dan laughed. remembering their first
meeting-"but with . fine serious,
manly side that you can't help
III ng."
That's nice; it's mighty nice. You
be good to that boy, and YOU won't
lose anything by it. How do you and
Morton get on?'
'Frst-rate. hope. He's treated
me generously"
Then she fastened her eyes upon
him with quizzical severity.
Young man. the Advertiser
seems TO think Morton Bassett is
crooked. What do you think about
IT."
Dan gasped and stammered at this
.jsconcerting question.
She rested her arms on the table
and bent toward him the hunor show
ing in her eyes.
''If he is crooked. young man. you
needn't think you have to be as big
a sinner as he is,s You remember
that Sally Owen told you that. Be
.Tcur Gown boss AIorton's a terrible
persuader. Funny for me TO be talk,
ing TO you this way; I don't usually
get confidential so quick I guess
and her eyes twinkled-"we-l have
20 consider ourselves old friends to
make it right
You are very kind. indeed. Mrs
owen. ] see that have RESPONSE
bility about Allen. I'll keep an eye
on him
Drop in now and then. I eat a
good many Sunday dinners alone
when I'm at home. and you may come
whenever you feel like facing a tire
some old woman across the table,
She followed him into the nall.
where they ran into Sylvia. who had
been upstairs saying goodnight TO her
grandfather Mrs. Owen arrested Syl-
Was flight through the hall
Sylvia, guess you and 1Ir. liar
wood are already acquainted"