The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-09-12
CHAPTER XIV

r-1 EE-VEE felt that her life as
MI Vivian Crandall had definite
ly begun when she was served
with the daintiest of breakfasts in
the daintiest of beds at nine O'Clock
on Saturday morning.
It was incredible that just one
week before at that hour she had
been hurrying to work at the Peach
Bloom Cosmetics Conlpany's offices,
worryire over the fact that she had
to make some last minute purchases
before she could leave that night on
her wonderful vacation. just one
week!
Life" said vee-vee Cameron to
herself, as she shifted the crisp
goldenAyellow rose that had lain be-
side her iced honey-dew melon, lis
lHGy terrible and very wonderful
At ten o'clock Mrs. Crandau sent
for her, reUe44stag her in her own
boulder. =acausa her own maid was
still hoverfises about the dressing
table. Mrs. Crandall folded her
daughter pro tenn into her arms and
kissed her with every show Of devo-
ton.
But when the maid had been dis
missed, Vivian's mother abruptly
dropped her fond and indulgent at
titude. Her voice became crisp and
cool, as if She we're speaking to a
paid secretary. \
"Mr. Crandall and I believe that
it will be best to go directly to our
Long Island estate on Manhasset
Bay" she said briskly.
"You will of course be in rather
strict retirement for the summer, a
fact which is easily explainable on
the ground that you are on the verge.
of nervous breakdown due to your
unfortunate experiences-the divorce
and the kidnapping.
IT am sorry to say that 1t will be
impossible for us to entertain any OF
our most intimate friends, or, If we
do, for you to be at all in evidence.
You understand, of courseP"
Certainly" Vee-Vee said stiffly.
II should not enjoy having to tread
on egg-shells all summer and the
chances of discovery would be too
great. ButaI have one request to
make, Mrs. Trandall-"
by the way, remember to adj
dress me as Mother before the
servants, and Mr.. Crandall as
Father or Dad" Mrs. Crandall in
terrupted. fortunately none of the
servants has been with us longer
than a year.
Vivian does not'even know their
names, except Soames', of course.
Now, what is your request? / hope
it Is a reasonable one"
Vee-Vee flushed brightly but her
eyes did not waver and her voice
was as crisp and cool as Vivian's
mothers.
II must have your permission for
my aunt, Mrs. Cartwright, and my
best friend, Mr.. Macklyn, to call as
otter as I like" she said steadily.
"Your aunt?" Mrs. Crandall
frowned slightly. THAT rather
COmpllCaUeS nldJJSIS, uOCo1l AVs
Does she have to know?"
"She does, Vee-Vee retorted firm
ly. "She knows already-at least
she knows that 1 have been mis-
taken for your daughter and that ]
have been kidnapped.
"She is of course as anxious for
my safety as you we1e for Vivian's.
assure you that she well-bred
woman"
II suppose that lis not an un-
reasonable request" Mrs. Crandall
smiled and shrugged. Now as to
the young man-for he is young,
I suppose?"
Eyes" Vee-Vee answered, flushing
more brightly than ever. HE Is a
very successful young business man
the advertising manager of very
large concern. In fact, he is my
employer, or was, until went away
on my vacation"
you're going to marry him, of
course?" Mrs. Crandall asked cas-
ually. her eyes interestedly regard
ing her just-made-up face in the
mirror Of her dressing table.