The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-08-09
CHAPTER XXXVII

n lila spent but little time over hel
IL breakfast, having used up the
best part of two hours in making
herself presentable. 1t was not
easy to erase the ravages Of her
night Of fury.
But when she left the apartment
she looked stunning in dove gray
outfit and two-skin fox scarf. Anc
her eyes were sparkling with re-
newed Enthusiasm for living.
The big thing had happened. Roc
and BERTHE Lou had parted. That
was all she needed to set her agaI
on the old road of conquest, with
Rods heart as her goal.
He would be at the Office, Of
course. 1t was not uncommon for
her. to see sim there. Frequently she
dropped in for q word or two with
him when she visited Cyrus.
She nodded and smiled fleetingly
at the girl in the reception room
as she passed on her way to her
husbands private Office. Cyrus was
tolerant of her unannounced de-
scents upon him and she did not
bother to ask if he were engaged
Neither did she stop to rap for ad-
nittance.
Cyrus was at his desk, porting
over a pile of correspondence, and a
large black scowl clouded his usual
" good-natured expression. Lila
paused a moment inside the room
to make up her mind what to ask
for as an excuse for this particular
intrusion. She decided to make 1t
something uninlportant, seeing that
Cyrus looked annoyed.
"Lo, daddy" she greeted him.
The greeting he gave her in return
was most undaddylike. well, what
do you want?" he grunted.
Lila came over and leaned against
his desk. ooh, nothing if you've got
q cross on" she pouted. did you
drink too much last night?"
"Never mind last night. Unless
YOU can tell me why Rod Dryer left
the party"
Lila started. "You were the last
to see him." Cyrus went on. Didn't
he tell you anything?"
"Why, what do you mean?" Lila
asked, barely keeping herself from
stanmering.
Cyrus reached out over his desk
and picked up a sheet of paper.
This he thrust toward Lila. She
took it in nervous fingers. Read
it." Cyrus said, unnecessarily. Lila
was reading. When she put 1t down
her emotions were under better con-
troll.
"That's a mean way to treat you'll"
she declared warmly. After all
you've done for him!"
Cyrus glanced sharply at her.
Haven't you any idea why he re-
eigned?" he queried doubtfully.
NOf course not" Lila answered
promptly. "He didn't tell me a
thing. But 1 could see that he was
upset and I asked him what was
wrong. He wouldn't tell me. It's
BERTHE Lou, I guess, and the way
she's behaving with that young
Marco Palmer. Maybe Rods quit
his job to take her back to Way
vile. Didn't you see himP Have
o talk with him, or anything?"
'No. He came in early his ste
nographer told me, and wrote this
note to me. That's all know. But
it's queer. If he'd given some rea-
son. To tell the truth, Lila, ]
thought for a while that you might
have something to dc with it. I've
an idea that young puppy thinks
more of you than he should"
Lila laughed and came over to put
her arms around his neck. Don't
be a silly old daddy" she purred
"If Rod cared anything about me
I'd know it,"
Cyrus reached up and patted her
hand. you've been seeing a lot OF
him. he reminded her fatuously
''You must be more careful, Lila
You're not the sort of girl a man
can be around very much without
being tempted to fall in love with
you"
"You f1atter me, darling" Lila re-
piled with a wry smile. "But we
needn't worry about Rod think
he's concerned over BERTHE Lou. AND
when mans thinking about his
own wife he isn't likely to fall in
love with another's. You don't
know where he's gomez" she added
suddenly.
"T cont know anything except
what's in that note. He quit, with
out notice and without giving q
reason. And I'm damned if I'll take
him backl"
Lila did not think Rod would
ask to be taken back. He wai
showing more manhood than sht
believed he had. This was move
she had not anticipated. 1t would
be hard to keep in touch with hin
now.
ooh, don't be harsh" she said
at is enough to make you angry
such ingratitude. I felt that way
at first, but after all, you know, VIZ
might find out that he had a very
good reason, or maybe the poor boy
just didn't know what he wa
doing"
You're too soft hearted" Cyrus
told her with adniring reproof
People aren't always grateful, vol
know, dear. See how BERTHE Lou hai
returned your kindness"
II know" Lila sighed, "but Roc
is different; let's give him hearing
anyhow. Have you any idea whert
we could find hirn?"
Cyrus hadn't. And Lila SoOn lef