The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-04-18

"Me?' Joyce exclaimed in real
surprise. why, it's lovely Of you to
as me, Mrs. Fitz-Simons, but 1
honestly don't see how I could leave
my work here"
Il knew you would say that, you
dear, conscientious little thing" said
Mrs. Fitz-Simons, beaming. And
I've arranged all that for you.
There's telephone board at the
club, and l want you to come out to
take care of it while we are there.
We're to be quite a large party, six
teen in all together, so there will
be quite a little telephoning in the
morning, orders and so on. But
nothing that need keep you very
long. Then you'll be free to play
with the rest of us and get some of
your lost roses back"
That's more than nice of you,
Mrs. Fitz-Simons, Joyce was hunt
ing for the means of refusal. but,
really, L don't believe 1 can get
away to go. When is the party?"
eve are leaving Sunday after
noon and will stay the entire week.
Just think of it, walking in the
spring air, stories and dancing at
night, a big open fire, and a splen-
did crowd of young people," She
was sure of joys acceptance as she
painted these delights.
who is going?" Joyce asked, still
sparring for time.
"All the reading circle crowd and
their young men. I'm sorry Henry
Deacon can't come. He's out of
town, isn't he?"
Joyce nodded.
II heard he was, and l don't sup
pose he would be able to come, even
if we wired him an invitation"
II suppose not" Joyce said, re-
Numbering the haggard face Deke
had shown her last, and his feeling
that the fate of the Deacon fortunes
hung on the outcome of this trip.
Mrs. F'itz-Simons was chattering on.
But you needn't be lonely, dear.
Carter Deland is back, you know,
and he will be one of us. In fact,
I'm quite sure he counts on your
being there" Mrs. F'itz-Simons had
played her trump card.
Joyce moved restlessly. If she
didn't go, Carter would think she
was afraid Of him. If she did, he
would take it as a signal of her re-
newed interest in his friendship.
After all, why not put in the week
that remained before she left to join
her father in this pleasant fashion.
Aloud she said: II don't know
whether 1 could arrange it here or
not. to be away for week. We're
pretty busy now, you know"
ooh, 1 arranged all that" said
Mrs. Fits imons, beaming. II had
a little talk with my friend, Mr.. Rob-
ertson. He said he was sure they
could arrange to let you go for that
length of time. He has noticed how
pale you are getting, too, and thinks
the change will be good for you.
Then can count on YOU
II suppose So" said Joyce, half
sorry that she had yielded.
t"I'll let you know later about the
hour and the arrangements for mo-
toring out" Mrs. Fitz-Simons said,
rising. I'm so glad you are COM
ing. I'm sure we'll all have won
derful time"
They separated and Joyce wan
dered down the lobby, deciding to
postpone the announcement of her
resignation. They'll have girl in
here anyway by that time. They
can manage without me-"
She sat down in one of the big
chairs to think. A sparkle OF fun
came into her eyes and presently
she was talking to Helen Powers,
who was, next to Frankly, her best
friend in the reading circle.
This is Joyce Daring, Nelly. ]
lust learned about the house party"
ooh, my dear, are you going, too?
What fun! Reggie and just think
it's heavenly, this chance to wander
around with Matte to furnish dis
Greet background. Who's driving
you out?"
"Fitzy, I suppose. She said moth
ing about any one else. I'll probably
go out with her and Matte. I'm
really only half in the party. I'm
going to put all your telephone calls
through for you, you know"
"How wonderful! There won't
even be any wrong numbers to
spoil the fun"
I'm not so sure" Joyce laughed.
"Tell me, Nelly, what are you taking
to wear?"
"All sport things, And one dinner
dress and a darling dance frock.
But mostly sport toys"
Where did you get them?"
ooh, Joyce, if you're going to buy
some, do go to Albert son, He has the
Quickest sport things ever. Only
honey, if you love me, don't buy
anything red. I'm going in for