The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1930-09-23
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Oellh pIeSSuISu ILlS WIlSI hI ClOS6
range. The fire of the diamonds
clashed with the rubies' radiance
under the electricity.
'He said I should take it, mother,
didn't think ought to-" Celia
began.
But, my child, why not? Of
course you should take it. 1 hope
you didn't hurt your fathers feel
ingS. It's beautiful gift!"
"Of course, it is. I know that, but
mother, don't you see? How can
I have lovely things like this and
then go away to New York and
spend lots of money when you're
living here like this?
Everything was so expensive to-
night. All through dinner that's all
I could think about. 1t isn't right.
1 don't see why he doesn't take you,
too. Then everything would be per-
feet"
"Sit down, Celia" Margaret
Rogers drew the girl down beside
her on the davenport. Her great
eyes were grave. Il shall have
plenty Of everything I need while
you are away.
You are never to worry about me
for minute. Remember that. And
you must promise me never to sug-
geSt-what you just have Said-to
your father. 1t is completely out of
the question! GU must understand
that"
But, mother"
You will have to accept my
judgment, Celia. Do you promise2"
The girl hesitated.
Il WILL" she said slowly, "but 1
don't see why things have to be this
way"
Margaret put her arm about her
daughter closely. She touched the
girls waving hair with tender fin
gers. The conversation was not re-
opened
A day and a half of furious energy
was ahead. 1t had been agreed that
Celia and her father we're to depart
Saturday afternoon.
The time was short for the dozens
Of tasks which Margaret Rogers in
sisted must be accomplished.
She had gained permission to stay
away from her work for two days.
There was shopping, cleaning,
mending, and packing to be done.
Mrs. Rogers engineered it all.
A good part of Celia's wardrobe
was left behind, but the things that
were to be packed into the new
brown suitcase must be suitable for
John Mitchells daughter.
TIOW the woman contrived all
l. 1 she did was a mystery. She
worked tirelessly, amazing those
who had taken note Of her failing
health. Money seemed to appear
from nowhere.
Let me do that, mother! You
need to rest"
Celia made the same plea over
and over, but Margaret would not
listen. Only Margaret Rogers her
self knew she did not dare slacken
pace. Time enough for resting later
onl
They bought a silk crepe travel
mig costume. 1t. was brown, of
shade which suited Celia's dark
eyes, and the frock had a matching
jacket.
When Margarets expert fingers
had finished ripping, restricting,
and pressing the outfit, it had the
fine lines and grace of the garments
which bore the small label original
model in the show cases of Mar
got'S shop.
Celia felt quite grown up when
she tried on the new dress. It was
not so pretty, she thought. as the
light-colored prints and ginghams
she wore at home, but it looked more
like the pictures in fashion maya
zines.
They shopped for kid slippers
which exactly matched the shade
Of the brown suit and two pair of
hose that were like cobweb. Mrs.
Rogers bought gloves which COM
pleted the symphony of bronze
tones.
When all the purchases were as
sembled, they hurried home to more
work pressing and packing.
Celia was becoming excited. Her
eyes were shining. and unnatural
color flushed her cheeks. She fol-
lowed her mother about, taking
tasks as they we're handed to her.
At o'clock she made tea, got
food from the cupboard and set out
the dishes.
Come on, now, mother. You
must stop and eat
"All right. I'll be there"
Neither of the pair had an appe-
tite. They drank the tea and pre-
tended to eat.
Barney will be here at g." Mar
garet reminded her daughter.
Barney? Oh, yes, Of course-I
forgotI"
The radiance faded from Celia IS
face. Margaret Rogers. preoccunied,
did not nofice this change.
While the girl cleared away the