The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-07-02

gone ABOUT lSIl IlIuuISS' SOAhAAS
back she sent imploring glances at
Chickie, saying finally: "Oh-I'm so
weary. Do me a favor, Chickie?
Get me that book left on your
bed?"
On Chickie's bed was book and
in it the note with a scrawled, Get
this to him-please. He can't come
while she's here"
Scott waited in the shadow of trees
in the far corner Of the grounds.
He was fair-haired, strongly built,
with an athletic swing to his Shout
ders. Chickie liked the fight, yet
the kindness Of his face. He greet
ed her anxiously: Something
wrong, Miss Bryce?"
Chickie smiled. 1.-THE demoniac-"
He read Barbaras note. The
straight-glancing eyes fired. This
is a cowardly position I'm in. don't
lsnow what to do" He said it with
simple plea, as though Chickie
should tell him. That's why went
away 1t did no good. -
"Well, I should think you would
see Mr.. Whitman. He worships Bar
bara-he wouldn't want her life
spoiled"
Scott shrugged with cynical
question. That's why he doesn' t
want me around. He thinks I'm
bound to spoil it. I'm older than
Barbara. I cant see what difference
that makes"
Chckie said: you think you could
make her happy
A blush that was frank and gave
him an eager, boyish look went to
his forehead. Eyes. haven't a
great deal of money. Why? Do
you think I do wrong? We've talked
it all over. Barbara knows what
she would have to give up. :"
She is only eighteen"
He glanced at Chickie, his jaw
chnched. He walked ever to a tree,
then returned. "Yes-but she won't
regret it. I'm sure Of that"
Chickie thought, "Oh, yes; sure Of
things! All of usr' Yet she believed
in Paul Scott. With q sudden i'm
pulse she PVT out her hand. II hope
you win, I hope You do. But think
Of her first-won't your
He turned his head.
When she returned, Edith said
with malice: did you read the look
first?" Barbaras eyes shot with un-
certainty.
Did he care, CHECKER" she asked
the moment they were alone. did
he seem awfully disappointed"
She laughed when Chickie assent
ed. "Well-oh, don't you think him
glorious? Well-if you saw the simps
I meet most of times, Chickie, tell
me, am I attractive? Would you
say I had lasting qualities? Oh,
don't laugh! But you know, If Paul
should stop caring for me; If he
should grow tired, I'd want to die.
Really
In the morning he was to phone.
Chickie always took these calls as
though they were for herself. She
was nervous, and once or twice,
hearing a click on the wires, became
alarmed lest Edith should have over
|
heard
1t was so this morning. Paul
said: I'D like to see you, Helena.
Will this afternoon be all right?"
"Yes-I believe so. Yes, at the
same place"
1t was then she heard the click
ing. But in little while Edith
joined them. I'm going to Mil
waukee this afternoon. I'll be gone
a few days. Why don't you come,
too, Barbara"
ooh, it's long trip"
Long trip! Do you intend to play
the invalid all your life?"
"Well-I'm satisfied here. Lee is
coming over Sunday and dad, too"
you might come, I should think,
when I gave up my trip east just to
be with you. I don't know how you
can be no unappreciative."
Barbara said amiably: did you
really give it up just to be with me.
Edith? That's lovely in you! Stay
on, then! I'm herer'
Edith snapped about-went out Of
the room like a streak.
I At / o'clock her car drove up. She
said, with a sweetness that should
have been warming: "Goodby, Bar,
bara dear. You see I must go. I've
important business. And as long as
you have dear Miss Bryce"
At 2 Paul Scott arrived. Chicki'
met him. He said: IT thought O.
what you said" His whole face
seemed newly sharpened-seemet
very thin. 1--WE should have dom
this a year ago. Barbara. wants 1t
We're going to be married today
No She backed from him.
"Yes-we are" And when Bar
bara came in, he caught her hands
He looked down at her, with full
quickened eyes as though she wer
warmth and sun and all life knew
of sweetness. They glanced at eacl
other SO and laughed
Scarcely a moment. The doc
opened. Edith was there. Sh
faced them, her thin lips curvet
but quiet. Her whole face ironic
unflickering as though carved o
pale marble.
Paul's head raised, his jaw a chal
lenge, his eyes hard as lances. Bar
bara's hands flew to her face, GOV
cred it.
Then Edith said, Good after
noonn and walked out Of the room