The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1922-09-07
THE TIRED MAN
Chapter 46.

Several things happened before Pan
dora had lived in the city long.
She found herself possessed of what
was to her a wardrobe of undreamt of
luxury. She found herself the mistress
of Gloria's household. She was in
charge OF Francis, and the new cook,
a huge negreSs who could get up the
most delicious meals, whose intentions
of keeping the place clean were always
good, but whose Unborn laziness was
too much for the best of intentions.
She sees a room as perfectly
round place" Pandora said once with
humorous evaporation. There are
no corners in her world. And she
takes a nap every day after luncheon"
This brought laugh from Gloria.
Never mind, her mullins are
dreams of delight and her roast chick
en- something TO die for" she said.
I'VE take what we can get these days
and give thanks. Pan, do you know
my young friend, George, has taken
great fancy TO your"
Has he?" Pan asked in surprise.
Has he?" mamicked Gloria. rs
that so stranger"
YES" Pan answered. For if he
does, he's the third person who has"
And at Gloria's incredulous smile,
she went on:
MY father, who is as futile as l, and
you, who are so very kind and SYM
pathetic
She did not mention Morton, who
was always in her mind, the memory
of whom still hurt sorely.
But she treasured this new liking.
And when George Ridgeway came in
one afternoon a few days later, her
eyes lit up with the greatest joy at
seeing him
But Gloria isn't here, she's not COM
ing home until late, she said. She's
going from her office to dinner and
then to the theatre"
Then you'll ask me to have tea
with you. won't your" George said and
settled himself down into his favorite
cushioned chair.
That's how their friendship began.
How long are you staying?" he
asked once.
AS long as Gloria wants me-" Pan
answered. But I'm not much use
now. frankie is better and she has a
cook. l suppose I'll go back to the
farm in the spring"
The queer depressed feeling came
over u6I again dL Inc lued he Idl LII
and Gladys-and the baby who
would be born in the late summer;
and Morton driving out each day from
his office; Grandma Whites Scolding
and her fathers restlessness to get
await began closing down on heI
like prison walls!
You like Gloria, don't you?" she
heard George ask. And at once the
nriSOn walls vanished
"Oh, / adore her." she cried, hel
hands unconsciously clasping together
as she said it. "You-you can't mag
inc what she's been to me. She's the
most wonderful woman | ever knew.
George laughed.
"a large compliment"
"But-she's just" the girl paused
for an adequate word, then added
perfect"
A little cynical expression appeared
again, making the man look older and
tired again.
What a thing it is to be youns
enough and inexperienced enough t
believe still in perfection!" he said. &"
don't know whether l envy you tn
youth that point of view implies, o
feel sorry for you because of the bit
terness and establishment still
ahead of you"
I've had the bitterness and disillu
sionment," Pan said, suddenly able t
talk freely to this man.
YOU"
Yes
Then, just as suddenly, her old shy
ness came back and the self conf
dence she had gained fled away froI
her.
"A man or woman?" George asked