The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-03-28

But she was on edge. She said to
Mary, II wish ] wasn't goingr'
"Why?" asked Mary.
II don't know" replied Chiclxie
Don't get stage fright. You may
fall in love with him"
"Neverv'
"Anyway-it can't hurt to go with
him just once"
No" Yet Chickie's reluctance
grew She kept thinking of the
malice In Janina's eyes. When iona
than, nervous as an old woman,
with his arm about her shoulder,
grew preachy, she forgot to tease
him.
LOOK here, Chickie, l want you
to come home right after the show"
What makes you say such a
thing, Jonathan Where else should
l go?"
"Well-you might want to go
somewhere and dance. And that's
all right with Jimmy and with boys
you know. Not with these strange
young men,"
old Jonathan. F'raid the wolves will
pounce on cutie's little lamb?"
Jonathan was always saying
things like that! why.
She scarcely spoke to Harry Lewis
as they dove down town. But in
the theatcr she stole sharp glance
at his mild, pleasant face; caught a
friendly slnile in his eyes
What a little idiot she wasl AS
though man wasn't just as harm
less as everything could be. oh,
.Ianina would laugh If she knew how
stir and nervous Chickie had been!
She turned gay and sparkling
She sighed with admiration over the
gowns the actress wore. And soon
she felt at ease.
But when the play was over and
he took her arm, saying carelessly.
Glorious night. Suppose we take
a little ride. I've an idea you swing
a wicked footr' When he said that
she answered quickly and very
fiustered. "Why, no.
He seemed insulted. She made 1t
worse by adding: "Oh, didn't mean
1t like that Why-its quite late
now"
He remained stiffly silent.
In pure nervousness, Chickie
laughed. Her poise returned. She
laughed again.
"Oh, well, Mr.. Lewis, don't be so
huffy You see. it's like this. I'm
fathers only child. He's a queer old
fellow. He'll sit up waiting for me"
"And, Of course, I didn't dream
you were going to be so awfully nice
and ask me to dance. So l promised
to come home early and if / don't
show up he'll ring up the morgue
and the police and the Old Ladies'
Home"
He forced smile-with a touch
OF sarcasm: You haven't brought
papa up right, have you? Well
How's the Palace? That's near
home.
IF you don't mind, I'd rather,
not tonight. You see as long as
/ told him I'd come
"Oh, we'll! Then / suppose I'll
have to freeze you to death with
ice-cream?"
She took it seriously. "oh, I'd
like that"
He burst out laughingl But they
went and had chocolate sundae.
At her door Mr.. Lewis swept off
his hat with the gallantry of a
prince. Wen have to put papa to
bed before we go next timer"
Chickie caught the touch Of grin
ming malice. AS she went tiptoe-
ing down the hall Jonathan called:
rs that you, CHECKER"
After she was in bed Jennie came
padding in, the candle in her hands
face all gentle. Chickie couldn't
open her eyes. They were smart
ing with defeat.
ONDAY morning Janina greet
IN ed her eagerly. You didn't
III come out to Tait's Saturday.
The whole crowd was waiting. Go
to the Palace?"
mo"
"Where?"
"Ah You'd like to know, take
it, Chickie closed her eyes with a
sigh mysterious and haunting.
But q few days later Janina
whipped &C her hat. her face alive
with wicked Height. She stood at
Chickie's desk looking down at the
golden head, raising an eyebrow and
smiling. She seemed about to go
into Mysteries. 80 you did, Gid you?
All, you little cutup. You did. did