The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1929-09-14
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|
would show them how little they
had to hope for. Show them quickly
enough, too.
"Evangeline Nellin." he sneered.
The Sneer changed flercely to a
snarl. What do you think am, a
doddering old fool?" he thrust at
Brent.
Brent shrugged. Il believe you
would not care to listen to my opin-
ion of you, Mr.. Cunningham" he
said evenly.
"Eh? EhP' Mr.. Cunningham was
surprised.
You see, I happened TO have
been a friend of Charles Nellin's, -
Brent explained. "I did not know
your daughter, but I have seen her
photograph. I do not care to ex-
press my opinion in her daughters
presence of a man who would ill
treat her"
"Iu-treat her2" Mr.. Cunningham
screeched. "Ill-treat herr"
Well" Brent passed it off with
a gesture, "let us get this interview
over with as quickly as possible. I
assure you it is as distasteful to us
as 1t is to you. Miss Nellin came
to you only because her father gave
your daughter a death-bed prom
lse to bring her here"
THE shriveled figure stiffened, sat
l. upright with the erectness of a
mummy. A culver ran across the
thin lips and down to the thin
hands.
Pallor as deep as death settled
upon the worn countenance. And
those who watched we're constrained
| to pity.
Dead! Evangeline was dead! They
saw the remorseless truth Of it eat
into his soul. He bowed his head
upon his hands and suffered his
blow in silence. except for the pain
ful expulsion of his breath.
I'm sorry, sir" Brent said with
touch of gentleness. Il should
have broken the news less harshly
but :" He left the sentence in
the air to imply that he had be-
lieved in Mr.. Cunningham's show
Of applicability.
Cyril Cunningham lifted his head.
Tell me about it," he said weakly.
I'D suggest that you first summon
your valet or companion and let him
givt you something to steady you,
sir" Brent replied. concerned with
| the effect of the shock he had dealt
the old man.
I'm all right" Mrs Cunningham
insisted, but quite obviously he was
in great physical distress. Just
hand me that glass. please" he d.
rected, reaching out a hand toward
a nearby table.
Brent did as he requested. The
glass must. he thought. contain
something Mr.. Cunningham had
been on the verge of taking when
they entered his room, for the liquid
was of pale. grayish tinge.
Mr.. Cunningham swallowed II
quickly. and settled back in mis-
chair to rest a moment before
speaking again. Brent and Helen
| waited.
Finally he turned his eyes upon
Helen and in them was a softer
light. But there had ben no niracu-
lous change in him. His sorrow
still was colored with bitterness.
Who these Two were and what
they wanted of him he had yes to
prove to himself.
! Suddenly Helen asked dtlestiolJ
of Brent that opened the interview
anew. Leonard" she said with a
note of tenderness in her voice that
was not lost upon their host, Leon
ard, you said awhile ago that you
have seen a picture Of my mother.
Where is it? Have you got it2 Let
me see It,"
Rather pretty acting, Mr.. Cum
bingham thought, If 1t were acting.
Very convincing.
Yes" Brent said, Il have it."
And you never let me see 1t"
Helen walled In reproach.
Brent smiled YEARLY. "Remem-
ber." he said, that I didn't want
the past to claim you"
| q
MR.. CUT !INGHAM broke in
IN1 with an impatient tapping of
his cane. Have you come here to
discuss this matter with each other
or with me?" he asked acridly.
81 beg your pardon" Brent
apologized quickly, but you see,
Miss Nelin did not know until yes
terday who her moth-v and father
were"
Mr.. Cunningham's gaze went from