The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-11-04

4 married In ulOnCI1. WIldI ~,
could there be in a Christmas wed
ding now?
How could she endure four more
months of Elizabeth's silent disap
proval? They had been gettini
along so happily, too. She wondered
if she had courage enough to write
Arthur and ask him to come so tina
they might be married at once.
But when she returned from hel
ride, she found Arthur there.
He was sitting in the sunny liv'
| ing room with his hat in his hands
He looked disturbed and worried
Diana suspected that he knew thu
worst. Elizabeth's words confirmed
her suspicion.
Come in DIANA" she said, calm
lily. 1T felt myself incapable Of
handling this situation so sent fol
Arthur. And 7 have told him every
thing"
Diana felt like a little girl who il
about to be chastised. She coulc
not face her fiance. But he came
to take her hands.
aren't you glad to see me?"
"Why, yes! Of counsel" Sht
laughed nervously. Tears were gath
ering in her eyes.
Arthur put his arm about her anc
led her to a chair.
81 see no reason for being tragic
about this" he continued, pleas
antly. Diana evidently had nc
share in it,"
Diana had no business letting
him touch her." Elizabeth declared
stoutly. ST have warned her. Anc
she promised me. ;. :"
She began to cry. Diana was I'M
touched by those tears. A com
plete conception Of the situation hao
been forming itself in her mind.
Here were her mother and hel
1ance discussing what should bt
done about her. AS if she we're &
child! Half an hour before she hac
been ready to send for Arthur Of
her own accord.
Seeing him here in response te
her mothers appeal froze all the
welcome in her heart. She rose
and held out his ring.
"Since am in so much disgrace,
she said, stonily, "I'll return YOU
ring"
Diana, you aren't going to dc
that"
II certainly am" she f1ared. "Dc
you think I want husband who is
going to watch over me as if I were
a baby? If I'm old enough to be
married I'm old enough to be re-
sponsible for myself"
Elizabeth was sobbing Historically
Don't act like this, Diana. You're
breaking my heart"
But three days Of her mothers
aloofness had hardened the girls
spirit. Besides if Arthur Vane at
tempted to interfere.
DIANA" he said, gravely, 81 an
not criticising YOU"
eyes, you are. You've been listen.
ing to mother about how wicked
I am. 1t wasn't the first time Loui.
has kissed me and it certainly ISM
going to be the last.
Our engagement is over. You are
free to do as you please. And so an
I. At least I shan't be accountable
for my conduct to any MAN. >
Her words had brought the blood
into Arthur's face.
"You are being ridiculous. he
retorted angrily. IT came at YOU,
mothers request and a great dea,
OF inconvenience to myself. How.
ever, If you wish to end our en-
gagement that is your privilege. Tn
not forcing any girl-even YOU-te
marry me-"
He turned without touching the
ring, which lay on the table be.
tween them, and walked quickly
from the room.
There followed a scene. Hysteri-
cal upbraiding on Elizabeth's mart
which weakened at last to frantic
pleading. Diana couldn't act like
This, after her engament had beer
announced and all those things hac
been given her for her cedar chest
I'll give them back" Diana de.
clared stubbornly.
She was amazed to find that once
she asserted herself, even her moth.
er could not force her to anything
Why had she been afraid of hel
mother for so long? She looked al
her now, eyes Redeemed with tears
putting with distress, and felt little
sympathy.
"All her life," thought Diana, "she