The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-02-15
T the foot of the stairs one Of

~ those pretty hands extended
itself at full arms length to-
ward Russell, and continued
to be extended unit it reached
his own hand as he came TO
meet her. How terrible of mel" she
exclaimed. ITO be so late coming
down! And papa. tool think you
know each other"
Her father was advancing toward
the young man, expecting to shake
hands with him. but Alice stood be-
tween them, and Russell. a little
flushed, bowed to him gravely over her
shoulder. without looking at him:
whereupon Adams. slightly discon-
certed, put his hands in his pockets
and turned to his wife
Il guess dinners more'n ready" he
said. I'VE better go sit down"
But she shook her head at him
fiercely, "Waitr she whispered.
What for? For Walter"
NO; he can't be coming" she re-
turned. hurriedly, and again warned
him by a shake Of her hand BE
quietr'
'Oh. we'll" he muttered.
sit DOWN.
He was thoroughly mystif1ed. but
obeyed her gesture and went to the
rockingham in the opposite corner,
where he sat down, and, with an ex-
preston Of meek inquiry, awaited
events.
Meanwhile, Alice prattled on: It's
really not fault of mine, being tardy
The shameful truth Is I was trying to
hurry papa He's incorrigibIe: he
stays so late at his terrible old factory
terrible new factory. I should say.
hope you don't hate US for making you
dine with US in such fearful weather!
I'm nearly dying of the heat. myself
so you have a fellow-sufferer, if that
pleases you. Why is it we always
bear things better If we think other
people have to stand them, too?" And
she added, with an excited laugh:
SILLY of us, don't you think?"
Gertrude had just made her en-
trance from the dining-roOm, bearing
tray. She came slowly, with an air
Of resentment: and her skirt still
needed ad justing, while her lower jaw
moved at intervals, though not now
upon any substance, but remiscently,
Of habit. She halted before Adams,
facing him.
He looked plaintive What you
want O. me?" he asked
For response, she extended the tray
toward him with a gesture of indiffer-
ence; but he still appeared to be puz-
zled. What i'll the world-?'' he be
gan, then caught his wife's eye, and
had presence of mind enough 10 take
a damp and plastic sandwich from the
tray. well. III try one" he said.
hut a moment later, as he fulfilled
this promise, an expression Of intense
dislike came upon his features, and
he would have returned the sandwich
to Gertrude. However, as she had
crossed the room to Mrs. Adams he
checked the gesture, and sat help
lessly, with the sandwich in his hand.
He made another effort to get rid of
IT as the waitress passed him on her
way back to the dining-roOm. but she
appeared not to observe him. and he
continued to be troubled by it.
Alice was a loyal daughter. "These
are delicious, mama" she said; and
turning to Russell, You missed it;
you should have taken one. Too bad
we couldn't have offered you what
ought to go with it, of course, but
She was interrupted by the second
entrance of Gertrude, who announced.
Dinner serve" and retired from
view.
We'll, wellr' Adams said, rising
from his chair, with relief. That's
good, Let's go see If we can eat it. "
And as the little group moved toward
the open door of the dining-roOm he
disposed of his sandwich by dropping
it in the empty fireplace.
Alice, glancing back over her shout
der, was the only one who saw him.
and she shuddered In spite of herself.
Then, seeing that he looked at her en-
treatingly. as if he wanted TO explain
that he was doing the best ne could.
she smiled upon him sunnily, and
began to chatter to Russell again.