The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1929-08-21
] ~ ElEANOR Early
rHAPTER XXXV-(Continued)

CHAPTER XXxV-(Continued)
"Oh. it's all right" She laughed
nervously. and felt her color mount
ing. Il mean I'm not acting like
O girl in a play. or anything like
that. I, just want you to marry
me-"
But why " he began hest
family.
Because I love you. dumb bell
darlingr' she cried. My goodness,
what did you think? I just love
you-that's all"
His eyes held hers sternly.
You're not joking, Molly?"
"Joking!" she exclaimed. Il never
felt so much like bawling in my
life. I'm embarrassed to tears"
But, Molly dear, why should you
want to marry me?"
There you go!" she cried. AL
ways looking for an argument! I
told you why. I love you
But you have your career"
i've had it." she contradicted.
My dear. you'd never be salts
fed without the plaudits of your
public"
Don't talk about my public!" she
cried. THE word makes me sick.
] tell you. Jack. I hate my publicl"
But adulation is the bread of
life to Won. honey. Excitement.
Crowds. Praise. Your name in the
papers. Why, Molly darlin', YOU
eat it up! You couldn't get along
without it."
Couldn't I! Try me and see she
invited.
Dearest, you can't marry q, poor
man. A woman hasn't any respect
for a man who can't take care of
her"
You told me that before" she
reminded him. I've had plenty of
time to think it over Besides, you
said you we're on the track of a
nice little fortune"
"Yes-'on the track I didn't say
] had it, I haven't been exactly a
flop. Molly. I've made a little money.
But, good lord, I couldn't support
your menage."
sBAJ A NGlts EiAN EtAAADNh thbr
And what would your smart
friends think of me?" he demanded.
YOU'D pay the bills. And I'd be a
Molly, I'd feel like rat!"
CHE pushed the breakfast things
- away. and putting her elbows
on the table, propped her chin in her
hands.
mo more argumentsl" she bullied
playfully. "Will you marry me dar-
ling7 Or won't your"
Her sparkling eyes anticipated his
svowal. Now, surely. he would come,
and kiss her on the lips. Chat was
why she had chosen the furthest,
most secluded corner in the room)
He would put his arms around her.
And tell her he loved her. And say
she was the most wonderful girl in
the world, because she had come to
him so bravely. and asked him to
marry her-auite as though she
were not the most successful play
wright on Broadway, and he strug-
Cling architect.
will you. jack" she cried. "Or
won't you?"
He looked at her steadily.
Il can't he said. Il can't do it,
Molly"
Scarcely comprehending. she
stared at him. And her eyes grew
large with pain.
He continued quietly.
Its out of the question, dear.
I can't be Mister Molly Burnham.
It would be impossible"
She dropped her eyes. and he saw
a food of scarlet begin at her
throat, and suffuSe her face, dyeing
It the crimson of her deep and
dreadful humiliation.
You have had your career" he
told her gently. And now you are
ready for love and marriage. You
wanted to eat your cake and have
81 too. Life doesn't often let US do
that I. have ceased to think of
you, Molly, as I used to. You can't
blame me for that. dear"
81 don't blame you for anything, ="
she told him proudly. 1t IS quite
erough. Jack. that you DO not care
10 marry me. You really needn't
lecture me. With your declination
of my preposterous proposal. we will
let the matter drop"
Molly swallowed the hateful lump
that threatened to strangle her. She
gathered her things. The French
vanity in its green enamel case. The
Iip stick that looked like pencil,
in its slim gold sheath. Her gloves
and petite-point bag. Her hands
we're trembling so that she could
scarcely use them. She wished that
Jack would go, and leave her there.
You're late now she reminded