The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-04-25

1T isn't as though she was really
part of our circle she said in a
puzzled tone to Helen Powers.
mo agreed Helen, a little sadly.
for she had really liked Joyce and
felt that if Frankly We're here she
would be expected to stand by the
girl. "Bur when you lose your repu-
tation that way, even if you haven't
done anything wrong really, you're
just done for"
Mrs. Fitz-Simons sighed and nod
ded her head.
Mrs. Daring slipped out early in
the afternoon and bought the pa
pers. Joyce read them, her eyes
red with weeping, How glad she
was that Deke, and Deke's father
and mother We're not there. But
they would have to Know some time.
II can't tell him she told her.
self. IF he wants me after all this
has happened, he'll come to me. If
I go to him, he will just feel sorry
! for me-"
She longed for him as she had
never longed for anyone before. But
she felt that until he had heard the
story and could judge for himself,
she had no right to try to reach him.
| A brief letter had told her OF the
provisional success Of his New York
trip and that he was en- route to
Chicago, where he would he i'm
| o.,
Then I'm coming home to you,
oyce," he had finished.
Joyce read this letter again. 1t
emphasized her loneliness and sad
ness. HE can't come home to that
! Joyce. ever" she thought. I'm
learn first now of Mrs. MaItby's gift
| from newspaper accounts.
At 4 o'clock Mrs. Daring admitted
Judge Perkins. Davey was with
him.
~'"Ths young man has been trying
to reach you all day, by telephone,
and in person. And when he failed
he came to me, and after he per
suaded me that he was really a
friend I brought him with me.
Things are all arranged for you to
leave for New York. tonight. Sup
pose l take Mrs. Daring out for
little drive and some dinner. These
two young people would rather be
alone. I am sure" Judge Perkins
was his old kindly self and Joyce
warmed to his friendship.
When he and her mother had left
she sat lookin gsadly at Davey.
Davey came over to her and lift
ed her to her feet. Don't go away.
Joyce" he begged. "The little
house is ready. Judge Perkins can
marry us now, this afternoon, and
L can take you home tonight. Your
mother can go on to New York and
get your father and they can come
back and make their home with us
Come Joyce, let me take care Of you
l love you. More now than ever be-
fore Oh, Joyce, Joyce, say yes"
Then Joyce knew what she must
do. She released herself gently
from Davey's arms and went to her
bedroom. Returning she laid the
key TO the little house in his hands.
He looked at her questioningly.
I'm giving it back" she said. 81
should have given it to you long
ago. For, Davey, L know Yow,
guess I've always known. that l love
Henry Deacon"
"Then where is he?" said Davey
fn1n l,a
side you, taking care of your"
"Deke doesn't know about any Of
this" Joyce said. "He doesn't even
know that 1, that /. love him. He
may not want me when he hears ali
the talk he will hear, but that won't
change my loving him always"
Then Davey rose to new peak of
manhood. HE will want you" he
told the girl. "Deke is not the kline
to run from trouble. You ought to
send for him, Joyce. He has right
TO know"
Joyce looked at the floor. Tears
came again to her eyes. "I-can't
-" she faltered.
Davey Strengthened himself. "I'm
sorry that you don't love me, Joyce.
There isn't any other girl for me.
There never will be. But that won't
change my believing that you are
the sweetest and loveliest girl in
the world. l want you to be
happy"
Joyce sobbed unrestrainedly. Da-
very put hir arms about her, much
as her older brother might have
done. For few moments they were
girl and boy again, and Davey was