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

oaldy Willis JOy &c dle lIull anu Wal
files and sausages, drank coffee. and
nibbled at a spoon of marmalade.
She contented herself with toast
and coffee, but Hospitality urged
Joyce to a heartier breakfast.
Il always used to tell Forester
that a good breakfast meant good
day." she said smiling at Joyce. at
has been a long time since J was
well enough to eat heartily, but
always love to see others enjoy
their meals"
This is heavenly" joyce an
swered. taking her seventh waffle
and treating it literally with maple
syrup. You ought to have your
cook teach Frankly Starrett how to
make these waffles. She's trying to
learn to make everything a man
likes for breakfast, you know"
I'D be very glad to have Mary
give Miss Starrett the recipe" Mrs.
Maltby answered.
II told Frankly I'm going to give
them an ocean of maple syrup and
three new saucepans for their we'd
ding present." oyce chartered on.
Mrs. Maltby listened, asking an
occasional question and feeling that
this was as near happiness as she
might ever come now that she had
no one left in the world whom she
could call child.
After breakfast, the servants came
in for their Christmas. There were
gifts of money and clothing and
for each one a great armful of
Christmas greens. There was to be
a special dinner in the dining hall
at noon for them and then they
were to have leave for holiday.
Before she dismissed them to their
tasks, Mrs. Maltby thanked them all
for their faithful service to her dur
ing the year and asked them to join
her a moment in prayer for their
welfare during the year to come.
This ceremony over, they all drank
toast to their mistress from a
punch bowl the butler had set in the
midst of the dining table and then
scattered to their tasks.
Joyce felt a thrill of admiration
for this woman who, though lonely,
seemed to use her wealth so wisely.
A little later they were driving to-
gether down the long roadway en-
route to the orphanage.
There Mrs. Maltby watched and
smiled again at the sight OF Joyce,
her arms full of babies, joining in
the fun that Christmas could bring
to even so sad an institution as an
orphan asylum. Joyce herself found
real happiness in playing for an
hour with these children whose only
home could ever be a gloomy brlck
building supported by the charity
of wealthy people.
Back in the car, she turned to
look at the cheerless place. IF |
had lots of money. I'd make a home
for children that was all flowers
and trees and pretty places to play,
she declared.
"Our homes for children are ugly
said Mrs. Maltby. She seemed alb
sorbed in thought, and glanced at
Joyce from time TO tlme.
At the hotel she took joys hand,
''Thank you for coming with me, -
she said. II am dining today with
my old friend. Judge Perkins. lie
is very good man, my dear, and a
very wise one. II you ever need
help or advice, / can think of no
better person for you to turn to-"
"Oh, think the judge is fine.
said Joyce. Tell him Merry Christ
mas for me, and thank you again
Mrs. Maltby, for being so good tc
me-"
She went to her work. There was
a chorus of greetings from the hote
staff. Mrs. Fitz-Simons stopped t.
kiss her and say it was too bad she
had to work. Matte Truesdale ad
ded a stiff, 1.-The seasons greetings
to her patrons gushing words. Joyce
had several boxes of candy from per
manent guests at the hotel and she
felt buoyed up by the general atmos
phere Of good cheer.
She was still gay with this re
Elected h,larity when Davey came
in to see her in the middle of the
afternoon.
Hello, Davey, Merry Christmas
I loved your Christmas present
Thank your
"I liked yours, too, Joyce" he
said, indicating the tie he was wear
ing. Can you eat your Christmas
dinner with me today? I'm all alone
you know"
Yes, that will be fun" said Joyce
IT think l can take a whole hour a
five I'll ask Scanny."
They went out together at five
and ate prodigiously of turkey anC
cranberry sauce and mince pie.
81 suppose you're all dated up fol
after work this evening" Davey saiC
as they were finishing their dessert
Yes, I'm going to go out to hi
house with Deke," Joy answered
His father and mother start t
Florida tomorrow and he's going t.
be tremendously busy from now on.
"Then perhaps III have chance
to see more of you," said Davey. "a
see that your other friend, Mr.. De
land. has gone away"
Joyce flushed little. IT'S all III
to you, Davey, dear" she leased.
They went back to the hotel anC
Davey left her to her work. Ht
wandered about disconsolately for {
time. and then went out to the one
place where he could dream freely
of Joyce, the small new house t.
which she still kept the key.
Deke took Joyce home early. He