The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-11-02
CHAPTER xI
Opening Old Wounds


Clare stood 8 moment, surveying
the man in reflection as she had done
thousand times In her heart since
last they. had faced in damatic tensity
in a darkeued church room. He did
not see her. He stood there, meek
figure, indeed
Suddenly Clare turned. Gilchrist
looked up in surprise, then, a bit
doubtful. bowed and made a movement
toward the door.
"Oh, come in" she said IN bold in
vitation. I'm just powdering my
nose. Does that offend your rever-
ence7" --..
ION the contrary" he said with q
smile. Z agree with the man who
said. Put your trust in God, but keep
your powder dry"
They laughed. and with the laugh
ter the wall that was between them
crumbled and vanished.
When did you get in?" Clare
asked. quietly.
Half an hour ago.
Had dlnner?',
ION the train I was starved" He
smiled again. Thank goodness, they
don't charge for dinner by the mile.
Riggs said your father-in-law was in
here"
He'll be up IN a moment-won't
you sit down? We haven't had five
minutes together since"
Since" he started. But the wall
had risen again and there was an
awkward pause.
1t was Clare who broke the momen-
tary silence. a silence she dared not
face because it brought memories, as
all silences do. s.
IT understand you're very. happy
in your new-profession.% she said
YES he answered. * e.l5@
You've got everything you
want?" she pursued haltingly.
No, I haven't everything want"
he said frankly, but I'm happy"
MY fatherin-law says that II you
settle this strike you're TO be" She
put her hand to her mouth in a ges-
ture Of self-reproach. but that's
a business secret" She paused IT
suppose / might tell you. though. He
says It'll make you a big man in the
company-w1th a tremendous salary.
You mustn't give that sway7"
The secretT'' asked Daniel, srntl-
Ing.
THE salary" said Clare, 'T Sup
pose you've got over that" He
smiled. "So-you don-t really seem
to have lost anything by giving up
your church"
"No." he said thoughtfully Queer
as 1t seems. sometimes think I've
gained-in opportunity"
Clare looked away, refectfvely.
Perhaps one might have eaten
ones cake and had 1t, too, she said,
chiefly to herself. -t-k ..
"Clarer' christ turned eyes that
were half eager, half reproachful,
upon her.
You frightened me 50 that night
with the bugaboo Of poverty che
went on with something OF despair
in her voice. Don't you think there
might have been a compromise
something half way?"
He turned away.
''Why open wounds that are be-
ginning TO heal7" he said protest
ingly. "a ~ .of,
Yours seem quite healed" she
said. a little enviously.
He stepped nearer and looked at
her intent1y.
And you have everything you
vant?" he asked tenderly. solicitous
His tone prodded her pride.
YES" she said with something Of
her impulsive defiance.
You see-I was self1sh-to ask
you to give up the thing that count
so much with you for those that
count with me-" He was quietly
earnest. FAfterwa-d,..awhen, I aknew
you vera to be- married" He
frowned. Il was afraid for you
but was wrong again. You're happy
and I'm honestly glad"
She was looking at him quizzically.
Are ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS she
asked slowly.
Honestly" he said
''In just helping others?" Ho nod
de6 his answer. -.--.----
81 don't understand that" she said.
you will-some. day--and so will
all the world
Jerry found the two face to face
and he came in. a bit unsteadily. He
had added several brandies to a gen.
erous allowances. at dinner and was
in Zone too, genial. mood,
Hello. Gflchr1st.s he said grufiy.
s...l-,-.. = - 49,. ..,.- - y