The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1924-03-25

the roses and laying them on the
dressing table.
I'm pleasing myself about this,
Therese. Where did you say they
were waiting?"
The maid shrugged and led the way
and Salie followed, the assured click
Of her high heels and the swirl OF
the silken draperies giving her feel
ing of confidence.
In the hall she encountered a tall
young fOotman with a tea-tray, and
although he bowed quickly and
stepped aside she noticed that he shot
at her a glance of lively curiosity.
She had no time to speculate on 1t.
however. for Therese had thrown open
a door at the end of the hall and
announced:
''Mees Alva. Madame"
The room was large. but the we'll
spaced groups of mauve-upholstered
chairs and divans and odd little tables
gave it an air of cOsiness which was
enhanced by the warm glow Of candle
light, for the curtains had been
drawn. a tiny fire was lighted. too.
seated before il in a deep chair.
She moved slightly as though to
rise and then sank back again. biting
her lip.
Come in. Alva." She tried to
speak carelessly, but there was
strained edge to her tone. Your
Cousin Wheeler is here"
\ slim. elegant figure in the snap
piest Of clothes had risen and stepped
forward with both hands outstretched.
Feeling very much as though she
We're in play. Sallie moved slowly
forward 70 meet him.
My dearest girl"' His voice had
flip quality that went with the
he wasn't smiling now. Underneath
his effusiveness he was plainly i'll at
ease. 81 am so glad that you are bet
ter I could scarcely wait to see
you
Sallie gave him one of her hands
and replied coolly: Thanks" Her
own nerve was strengthened by the
momen5ary embarrassment Of these
two and she withdrew her hand and
sailed on past him with her small
nose in the air.
"Alva. you were given Whee1er's
roses. weren't your Mrs. Copeland
spoke with a note of reproof. Come
and sit down, my dear"
NO. she shall sit here by me on the
davenport Wheeler SloaJ had re
covered from his temporary rebuff and
| followed. but Sallie took the chair
which Mrs. Copeland had indicated
She knew that they were both looking
at her appraisingly, and glancing up
| shexcaught the quick flash of congrat
Ulation which passed between them.
"Oh. yes. the roses!' Sallie turned
and favored him with a slow little
smile. I've been told too. that I've
got you to thank for saving my life. -
Not at all, 1t was nothing-I
mean, that any man.
He paused, for Sallie gave a little
gurgle of laughter. She was com
mencing to enjoy Cousin Wheeler.
Il believe you" She hoped he got
her meaning. You must have kept
your wits about you pretty we'll in
that wreck
Don't let US talk about it, Mrs.
Copeland murmured. The shock!
Come in, Fitch. Wheel the wagon
over here, please"
Out of the tail of her eye SaIlie
saw the tall young footman enter
with the tea-tray and proceed to ar
range its contents en- little wheeled
table which he rolled across to Mrs.
Copeland's side. Then at whis-
pe~ed word from her he withdrew,
but not before he had glanced once
more covertly in Sallies direction
Il received letter from your
iyrandmother's secretary today"
AIrs. Copeland announced as she
l'usied herself with the tea-things.
'She viii be able to return very soon
now and she is more than anxious
20 see you
So she had a grandmother. tool
ASallie accepted the GUY which Wheel
III Vi r. ~ d ID ZlJ " [@l n ~ E.