The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1926-10-09

him. BERTHE lighted clgaret after
cigaret. With his free hand he at
tempted to find hers. But she fold
ed them tightly in her lap. The con-
tact Of his gently insistent shoulder
against hers almost spoiled the pic
ture for her.
What an old maid I'm getting
to be- she thought, amused. And
how Don Stillwell wasted his good
advice. If l stay here a few more
months 1 won'tNbe able to have
date at all
What shall we do now?" inquired
BERTHE as they walked out Of the
theater. Shall we go somewhere
and dancer"
The thought of dancing with him
nauseated her.
"Oh, not tonight. It's almost II
o'clock. Let's go over to Maxine s."
What's the idea?" asked BERTHE.
I'm supposed to be having this
date with you"
ooh, we'll, let's call it a night
then and go home"
My God, you're an agreeable lit
tie thing to take around. San Fran
cisco danes have to pull a different
line from that, grille. There are too
many girls in this town for you to
act so uppish."
Sonia had an intense desire to tell
him to go and find another one now.
but her resolution to stand we'll at
the Office forced her to smile and
say, Nov, BERTHE. don't be so sensi
tive. What do you want to do?"
That's better. And since you're
SO sweet about it, I'll take you to
Maxine's."
There was no answer when they
rang at MaXine's apartment. Sonia
was genuinely disappointed. Maxine
might have helped entertain BERTHE
for the rest of the evening. But as
they started down the steps, the
door opened enough for Maxines
fluff of blonde hair.
"Who is it? Oh. hello, Sonia and
BERTHE! Wait until I get something
on and you can come in
She admitted them, clad in heavy
bathrobe.
ITS cold in here. I was just
going to bed" she explained.
Even in the dim light Sonia could
see she had been crying She
wished then that she had not in.
sisted on Bertie's bringing her. But
BERTHE was already winding the
photograph.
Lets dance"
The machines broken, BERTHE"
said Maxine. Il might whistle for
you"
BERTHE had a better idea.
Get dressed, Maxine, and We'll
go to Gianduja's. I have to dance"
Maxine hesitated while Sonia
said, urgently, "Oh, please do come,
Maxine"
'All right. Though I don't know
what BERTHE will do with both of
us. 1t won't take me a minute to
dress"
So Sonia was forced to dance
again with BERTHE, fingers clenched
in his moist hand. The evening
had it's compensations. however Fol
sitting at her table in the dim light.
while Maxine and BERTHE were dane.
ing, Sonia saw a man, also alone. He
was young. dark and interesting
sent Sonia was full of appreciation.
And over the smoke of her cigaret
she returned it, wistfully.
"Why can't l ever meet a man
like that?" she was thinking.
It seemed to her that the charm
of his personality swept across the
room. When BERTHE danced with |
Maxine again Sonia sent a swift |
glance to that other table. He was
still there. When he met her glance
he came across to her.
Wont you finish this dance with
me?"
Wouldn't BERTHE be furious? But |
wouldn't 1t be worth it? Sonia |
smiled and was carried off in his
arms.
Dim lights, haunting heart-break.
ing music. blue eyes smiling-smil.
ing-into hers. Sonia had danced
many dances with many different
men, but never did music so intrigue
her, as on this night at Gianduia s.
1t crept under her skin. II sent
delicious, prickly sensations UP and
down her spine.
When it was over she sighed. She
resented the cruel fate which pushed
her back into Berties colorless
sphere. Also, she realized that some
sort Of explanation was going to be
necessary. But she was mistaken,
for when her partner had escorted
her to her own table, he said: Hello,
BERTHE. Don't you know better than
to leave this girl sitting all alone?"
Bertie's pale eyes cleaned. But he
answered, i'm coldly correct voice,
Good evening, Franklin. I didn't
know you were acquainted with
Sonia yet. She came into the office
while you were away"
1--WE were old friends. Anyone
could tell that who watched us dance
together"
Sonia was bewildered but. as usual,
waited in silence for her cue.
when did you get back from
your vacation, Mr.. Crane?" asked
Maxine.
More curious than ever, Sonia met
his eyes. The smile he sent back
was a delicious mixture of delight a..
her confusion, and admiration of her
playing the game. He asked Maxine
for the next dance, but from over
Bertie's shoulder Sonia's eyes met
his constantly. Wrapped in a CLAM.
curious sense Of adventure. she forgot
her dislike for BERTHE. She even per-
mitted him to squeeze her hand
What does it matter what BERTHE
dOeS2" she asked herself dim ,not