The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-04-05

many times and begged her again
to be careful, to remember his coun-
sci. Then he was swallowed up in
the crowd and Joyce found herself
really alone.
Gladys left on Sunday and Joyce
came back to Uttered apartment.
While she was tidying up, there
came knock and she opened the
door to admit Carter Deland. He
had a great box of fall chrysanthe-
NUNS which ne said he had stopped
by to leave.
Joyce asked him in and the fas-
tidious Carter peeled off his gloves
and helped her dispose Of the clut-
ter that lay around the living room,
and then made tea and served it to
her.
"Come now" he said as they
slipped tl.ei rtea," I'm going to teach
you to smoke. And as a reward of
learning, I'm going to give you that
long green jade holder I mentioned
so long ago."
He lighted a cigarette and showed
Joyce how to keep it lighted by
drawing one deep puff at the start.
Don't try to inhale at first" he
said. Just take the smoke in your
mouth and blow it out. You'll learn
to inhale it naturally after you prac-
tice it awhile"
Joyce did as she was told and
made a wry face.
You funny child" he said.
A little later he leaned toward her
and said, Joyce, do you really like
me?"
II like you and" Joyce hesitated,
hardly knowing how to put her feel
ing into words.
And you're little afraid of me?"
he queried.
Joyce nodded.
''It isn't that you fear really" he
told her. 1T is life"
Joyce thought about this. Pres
emily he spoke again.
81 find myself wishing that Henry
Deason were not my friend" he
said.
"Deke's coming home Christmas"
said Joyce, idly.
IF he were here to stay, / wouldn't
feel any scrumples about taking you
away from him." Carter answered.
You seem very sure that you
can" said Joyce.
Suppose we make an agreement,
you and l." Carter stood up and
went to the window, thrusting his
hands into the pockets of his striped
gray trousers. Suppose we agree
to be good friends-pals, you young
folks call it, 1 believe-until Deke
gets home. After that, may the
best man win"
Joyce found herself shaking hands
with him. After he had left, she
wondered for an instant just what
it was the best man was to win.
Did Carter, after all his philander-
ing, really want to marry her?
In the weeks that followed she
saw him often. Never by word or
gesture did he step over the bounds
Of his agreement.
Joyce found herself trying to give
back the same impersonal interest.
But, however she tried, there was
always the memory Of the slow, lin
gering kiss between them.
Others noticed Carriers devotion
to her. The girls in the reading
circle were openly envious. Frankly
was puzzled. She spoke of it to
Joyce one evening when they were
alone in the apartment and Joyce
was sewing.
Joy" she said abruptly, has
Carter ever asked you to marry
him?"
Joyce felt the color flood her face.
NO." she said, "but he's always
been very-very respectful. is the
best way I can express it, after the
talk I've heard about him."
II don't get his game" said
Frankly. II was all ready to call
his hand if he tried any fast stuff
with you. But, golly, he might
be your big brother, or your best
friend, or even your f1ance, for all
1.-The evidence he gives of anything
sporty"
az like him." said Joyce. dc
| fensively.
II guessed as much" said Frankly
dryly. But don't kid yourself
about Carter Deland. He knows
|