The Indianapolis times., 1923-10-25
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up from box of toys. At 80 Leila
had left one marriage behind, carry
ing away court-awarded spoils Of war.
There was something feverish and
restless in her eyes, something de-
liberately attractive in her manner.
I've two engagements before din
ner," said Mrs. Thornbury, finally,
land I've got to go home and un-
dress for the'opera."
Il gave up the dance for this"
boasted Dilly.
"But you all waste your time so
dreadfully." objected Mrs. Gillian.
I'm busy, too, but my life is given
to the service of Others
What could be sweetert' her
daughter, Knocked.
''Dilly! Nobody knows better than
you that I've never had az selfish
thought. Mr. Gillian
"Of the Gillian Groceries, Inc.,"
interjected the girl.
''Mr. Gillian says I'm far. too good
Only yesterday I gave 500 pounds of
coffee and sugar to the Salvation
Army"
corrigible Dilly, father jumped the
price of sugar to 32 centsi"
Mrs. Gillian saw the futility Of fur
ther argument
"One gets precious little reward,
can tell you," she said with rising
emotion. ''I sent helpful thoughts
from the Bible to all Mr. Gilliam's
employesl Nov they're on strike, and
the man that got BE content with
your wages is leading the strikers"
She rummaged in the toy box to
conceal her agitation
Where's the Star OF Bethlehem"
she asked absently.
"It doesn't work, mother" ex-
planned Dilly.
Are those your husbands men on
the front steps?" Mrs. Thornbury
asked after a moments pause.
"Oh, no." said Mrs. Gillian. Those
are people from the sweatshops.
They're starving, 1 hear, and Mr..
Gillian says it serves EN- right" BY
this time she had found the object Of
her search-a large, brilliant star
shaped ornament. What's the mat
ter with the Star of Bethlehem" she
inquired.
"Oh. the usual" said Dilly who
ever heard of the lights working on a
Christmas tree?"
But this must work." Mrs. Gillian
declared firmly. Mrs. Tfce had 1t
made to oEder-of Partisan diamonds.
1t cost $500"
''AIl right, it's better than nothing"
said Dilly, taking it from her mother
and clambering up the shaky ladder.
We'll, I'm half dead and there
can't be any more presents" droned
Mrs. Thornbury. reaching for her
wrap. I'D, give my left hand for a
cigaret."
"NSt herew exclaimed Mrs. Gillian
a bit shocked.
why not? We've had almost
everything else"
Mothers SO mid-Victorian." /" whined
Dilly. And ministers are finding
they've got to do something to make
church going attractive. What do we
get out 4of it now? I've heard OF
preachers who go in for dances and
movies and they draw corwds. too.
Who wouldn't go to church to get a
squint at Dougsy Fairbanks?"
She clambere6 down the ladder,
having hung the star at the top Of
the tree. Light from an opening door
drew attention to small. bent mouse
ike man, q grayed creature who
lowed his way apologetically, his arms
filled with bundles.
Good Lordr" expostulated Mrs. GIL
liam. More presents?"
Mrs. Tice brought them," he ex-
planned. "She and Mr.. Jerry Good
kind. They're coming right in"
"Oh, Mr. Barnaby," said Dilly. "Our
star won't light. VIII you see If you
can fix"
"One moment" The sexton was
hurrying back to the door. free OF his
arm-load. The Gilliams could wait
Mrs. Tice was much wealthier. With
a servile bow Mr.. Barnaby opened the
door.
CHAPTER II