The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-12-11

41OuoC O1lCIl. <1IlQ lid dIlQ N1IO. kAoAlC
were real friendly"
AShtoreth bit her lip.
so when Mr. Ashe died sudden
like he did, Ash and her mother
moved in our place." concluded Sa-
die with astonishing simplicity.
Then when Mrs. Ashe got some
thing to do they took fiat Of their
own somewhere. I was working in
the f1ve-and-ten last time 1 saw
Ash, and I don't believe she knew
I came here at all. Did you, Ash?"
AShtoreth shook her head.
1--WE haven't seen each other for
several years." she said, and hated
herself for the aloofness her reply
implied.
Ashtoreth felt as though she
were chained hand and foot. She
wanted to be away from the I'M
pleasant scene. But she could not
leave Sadie to tell Mr.. Hart more
of that which he must never l-now.
She could think of no excuse for
staying. And none, either, for leav-
ing. Let sadie go. Sadie was the
intruder. =.
Mute voices were shrieking in her
ears. She tried 70 speak. To say
something easily, and with COM
posture. But her lips were hard and
tight She hated Sadie for a stu
pid little fool. A common, ignor-
ant thing.
And she hated Mr.. Hart because
now he would think of her and Sa-
die Morton as friends. And he
would believe her hypocrite and
a sham.
NOW Sadie was crying
IN She would. Sadie always
cried when things went wrong.
Ashtoreth wished she could cry. Or
move. Or talk. Or do something.
Instead of simply standing there,
frozen.
Perhaps" She essayed speech
with an effort Perhaps, Sadie,
you'd like to come out to the wash
room with me? And-and see Mr..
Hart later"
That was good. Wonderful. She
would take Sadie away from him.
How had she happened to think
of it? Such a clever thing to say.
IF you would, Miss Ashe."
Mr.. Hart moved to open the door.
"And when she is herself again,
perhaps you would be good enough
to call a taxi for your friend. My
lawyer will see her later, And that
will be all, thank you, Miss Ashe."
In the hall Ashtoreth slipped her
arm through Sadie's.
Listen, Sadie" she said. "I'm
going home with you-to your
place, 1 mean. I want to talk to
you. Wait for me downstairs. I'll
ask Mrs. Mason if may go out.
Then I'll get my things and meet
you at the door. Don't say any
thing if you see anybody you know
down there. And for heavens sake
don't let anybody see you crying"
I'm not crying!" contradicted
Sadie.
"All right-see that you don't. I'll
be with you in minute"
Ashtoreth approached Mrs. Ma
sons desk.
II should like" she said serene
ly, Ito go out for little while, Mrs
Mason"
And Mrs. Mason, who had wit
messed the amazing advance and
ignominous retreat of Sadie, nodded
silently"
Downstairs Sadie waited at the
magazine stand.
1--WE got a taxi, Ash" she an
nounced, and took Ashtoreth's arm
conhdingly.
my DEAR" she said, you'll just
simply ole. You'll never believe the
things that have happened to me"
And she preened like a gaudy lit
tie peacock and wrapped her white
fur closer about her throat
well" AShtoreth demanded,
what's it all about?"
Sadie Morton backed into her cor
ner and considered Ashtoreth Sus-
piciously.
1.-THE same to you'll" she retorted.
How do you get that way, Ash?
Private secretary to Hollis Hart, and
putting on airs to beat the devil"
I'm not private secretary" eX-
planned Aslltoreth. "I'm one Of
forty stenographers. And I'm not
putting on airs. I never spoke to
Mr. Hart in my life Until yesterday,
and it was the most curious COIN
cidence in the world that he spoke
of you this morning"
"Yeah-and what did he say?"
demanded Sadie.
A SHTORETH slipped her arm
N around the other girl.
"Oh, please" she wheedled, "let's
not quarrel. I didn't mean to offend
you. And I don't mean to be
curious either.
But, you see, Sadie, Mr.. Hart was
talking about you just as you came
in. That is, he was talking about
some girl who used to work in the
office, in whom he was interested.
And suddenly the door opened-and
you walked in.
IT didn't have an idea what it was
all about Now let's be perfectly
frank with each other, Sadie. I'll
tell you all I know. And you tell
me the truth. We may be able to
do each other a lot of good. Will
you be absolutely honest with me
Sadie?"
Sadie Morton laughed.
why, sure" she agreed good hui
moredly, land I didn't mean to be
nasty, either, Ash. I only thought
you was trying to high hat me,
dear. Wait till we get out to the
apartment-it'S only minute more.