The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-09-16
CHAPTER VII

Nancy forced herself to attend the
lecture in the town auditorium. She
dragged her mother along, partly
because she thought Amanda might
assirnilate something from the noted
travellers discourse, and partly be-
cause she did not wish to appear
alone.
They sat where she could see the
back of Ediths head, Struggled
down beside Eric Nelson. Nancy tor
tured nefsen by imagining their
conversation.
She hoped Amanda was paying
attention to the eloquence which
flowed from the platform. So far as
she was concerned she didn't hear
a word.
AS they were walking home
Amanda asked, who was Edith's
friend?"
"The new manager of the Gas
and Electric Company"
"FIe acted terribly devoted" her
mother commented. II saw him
picking UP her handkerchief and
program couple of times"
chow did you enjoy the lecture
mother?"
ooh. it wasn't no worse than
usual" sighed the long-sutfering
Amanda. IT noticed Mrs. Marshall
had on new dress. Cut too low,
but could fill in the neck and
make my new one like that, Nancy.
The girl walking by her side
agreed, absently. What was he say
ing to Edith now? What would
thew dc after they returned home?
The weeks between September
and Thanksgiving seemed endless:
Nancy spent hours practicing, and
fancied her voice showed improve
nent.
she began to wonder if she could
edo something" with it. Four weeks
wac a long time to wait for Ray
nond. She wouldn't want to 90
anything common or cheap, OF
course.
But It would be rather nice to
sing In churches or high-class CARES.
+ only she could persuade her IA
Their to let her go to San FRANCISCO
and take some special training.
she repeated this idea to Editn'
who received it enthusiastically
"Splendid. 1t would be the very
thing for you"
Nancy smiled. She couldn't help
remembering how Edith had pre-
ferred staying at home earlier IN the
wear rather than having to leave
Nancy. But they maintained an OUT
ward appearance of friendship
Nancy tried to conceal her Jeal-
ousy with an assumption OF the
old affectionate attitude. While Ed
it'll alternated between an exagSer-
ated air of secrecy and the over
whelming desire to confide.
"He's crazy about me-" she ad-
mitted. Last night followed nm
to the vestibule. I was fixing r.iy
hair and had both hands over my
head, and he said: I'm leaving,
Edith. If I stay longer I'm afraid
I'll have to kiss you. :"
"ConceiteN pup" blazed Nancy.
Editns eyes grew round
do you think SO? thought 1t
showed wonderful self-control. Most
men wouldn't have been able to re-
sist. you know. / read once that II
a woman puts her arms up over
her head she is absolutely irresist-
ible."
Nancy stared at the other girl in
surprise. She really hadn't sus-
pected Edith of being quite such
an idiot. Mentally REPEATING Er1c'S
words, she began to wonder If he,
too, had not been clever enough to
see through her ruse.
He probably was poking fun at
Edith. The poor dear was scarcely
the type to be drain on any mans
self-control.
The next time she met Eric il
the street the memory of her
friends confidence sent laughter
bubbling into her eyes. She spoke
more cordially than she had for a
long time.
How is the dancing?" She in
quired, sweetly. Edith says you've
made wonderful progress"
81 work hard enough at it." he