The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-12-20
CHAPTER xI-(ContinueO

"And Doctor Henderson says 1
wouldn't be expected to do a thing
but just wait on her. And a little
cooking, besides. You know how
love to cook, Ashtoreth! Why, I'd
love it, honey!"
Maize was beaming persuasively.
That's $40 for a month! And
the janitor says he can sublet the
flat all furnished for us, for $40
more than we're paying now. Why,
Ashtoreth, you can go away, honey
and we'll be making money on
you'll"
Tears came to Ashtoreth's eyes.
And great lump in her throat.
"Darling!" she cried. you're
just the best mother in all the
world"
"Then that's settled?"
Maizie was eager as a child.
II told Doctor Henderson II let
him know for sure this afternoon.
The old lady has a nurse now. But
she's letting her go. And I was to
tell the doctor just how soon I
could go to work. He says you'll be
able to travel in another week.
"And I thought we might make
arrangements for you to go away a
day or two before I take the job.
Then I could get the place cleaned
up and go to work myself the first
of the month. The janitor says he
can rent it right away He's got
someone just waiting for the word"
Astoreth sat up in bed, hugging
her little quilted jacket about her.
you've planned everything,
mother!" she accused. you and
DR.. Henderson-you're simply in
cahoots. But-oh, you darling
mother-you're such an angel"
Praise from her daughter always
affected Mrs. Ashe. Now unbidden
tears sprang to her eyes. She wiped
them away furtively and smiled,
'It takes mother to fix things!"
she boosted. well now, young
lady, will you please pick yourself
trip?"
Ashtoreth raised her arms.
''Kiss me-" she commanded. "And,
mother, you're sure you want me to
go? You won't miss me?"
Maize blew her nose with more
realism than romance.
"Of course I'll miss YOU" she adj
mitted. But I'll be glad every
that you're gone. 1t may
not be proper and all that for a
young girl to go off by herself on
boat and traipsing around strange
places, but I guess my lamb won't
be up to any monkey business.
"And who do we know that's 60
ing to talk? Besides, what do we
care if they do? It would be plumb
foolish for a girl to stay home just
because some jealous old hens that
never get a chance to go anywhere
themselves say she ought"
went out soon, to shop
1V1 for dinner. And when she
had gone Ashtoreth slipped to her
knees at the side of her bed.
"Oh, God," she prayed, dear
God, forgive men for being ashamed
of my mother Do anything you
want to me, God-but please don't
ever, ever hurt mother! She's so
good. And I'm so wicked. Oh.
make me always be patient and
generous with her as she is with
me. I ought to be punished for
being mean to her. But please,
please don't punish me by hurting
her! Anything else, God, but that"
Then, having bargained with her
Savior, Ashtoreth crept, shivering,
back to bed. And, budding be-
meath the blankets, cried quietly.
Crying because Maize was so
good. Crying because she loved her.
And because, to Hollis Hart,
she had denied her.
"It would just serve me right,
God" she admitted, "if I never saw
Mr.. Hart again as long as I live"
And then she vowed renuncia-
ton. To prove how much she loved
her mother, she would never try
again to interest Hollis Hart.
Next day she telephoned the Of
flee and talked to Mrs Mason. Her
position, she was assured her.
would be open on her return.
Now you've got to get some