The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-04-06

80 it got worse and worse, and
now this stroke has just laid him
low.
Meantime, things are in such a
tangle at the plant that Mother
doesn't know what is going to hap
pen there. The doctors say it would
help Father to go to Florida for the
rest of the winter. So it looks like
the best plan is for them to leave
right away, have the girls stay in
school instead of coming home for
Christmas, and for me to buckle
down right away to getting things in
shape at the factory"
you won't go back to school
then?' Joyce questioned.
Deke shook his head
Joyce was thinking of the agree
ment Carter had made with her.
If Deke stayed here, Carter would
feel free to press her toward a de-
cision in her relations with him. She
felt her heart beat faster. Deke was
looking at her curiously.
What is it, joyce"
ooh, I'm sorry, terribly sorry,
Deks, that you must give up school.
But l can't help being glad that you
will be here from now on"
Joyce. Are you really glad lie
stood up and came close TO her
chair.
She nodded her head. and smiled
up at him.
Don't" he made an involuntary
gesture, as though in pain.
what is it?" Joyce looked up in
some alarm at the tone of his voice.
1T makes me sick. Joyce, just
sick. @to have this happen now" he
said, going back to his chair. This
room, you sitting there sewing. 1t
all makes me think Of what L must
give up for the present"
Joyce looked at him inquiringly.
II wanted to ask you to marry
me this Christmas" he said slowly.
81 had planned to urge our engage
ment now with our wedding in the
spring. Then when l had mothers
wire and knew that something
serious had happened l thought I
would give up going back to col
lege, buckle down at the plant and
ask you to marry me right away.
But now, with everything so I'M
certain, I don't feel that l can ask
you a thing. l have nothing to
offer you. From what mother told
ME there may be nothing but debts
to pay, no income TO speak of at
all.
II feel that I must see the girls
through this year at school at least.
Mother has enough money of her
own to take care of herself and
father on their trip south. But 1t
hurts like the devil to have to give
you up without trying, Joyce"
Maybe I don't want to be given
up" said Joyce.
He looked at her a long moment.
Explain yourself, JOY girl" he said,
striving for light note.
II mean" said Joyce, slowly, that
feel just as l did this fall. I'm
not sure that / love you. I do feel
that I want a home. Right now I'd
be gladder than / can tell you If my
father and mother were here, to go
to live with them. | don't feel that
way all the time. Lots Of times I
am so happy tc be here alone that
l think I never will give up my free
dom. But tonight | do feel lonely"
Even with me here?" Deke
asked.
Even with you here" smiled
Joyce.
There was a pause
What's become of Davey?" Deke
asked.
81 don't see very much Of him
these days, said Joyce. He has
been on the road a lot and he's about
as good a letter writer as l am.
Then the last two times hes been
in town l happened to be busy"
Busy" Deke questioned, his eye.
brows lifted.
Joyce flashed, 81 had dates with
! Carter Deland both times" she said.
Hmm. Carriers been making hay