The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1930-11-13
CHApTEE FIFTY-FoUR

TOR a moment the strange numb
II ness which was both fear and
tremulous hope held Celia motion
less. Then reason reasserted itself.
It could not be Barney Shields who
was waiting for her Barney had
meant what he said.
Celia turned and wslked slowly
TO the living room. Tod Jordan
was learning negligenty against a
table. He swung around, smiling,
as she paused in the doorway.
Didn't forget your promise, did
you2" he greeted her.
She had not given Jordan a
thought since he and Lisi had LETT
her the day before. Instead Of an
swering Celia said. Hello, Tod It's
nice Of you to come
He approached and took both her
hands.
so that's all the welcome 1 get.
Just 'hellol' He studied her face
intently. Look here, sweetheart.
Hasn't that headache gone YETI"
Maybe you think so but don't.
You're looking white as a Sheet. Has
anything happened? Tell me, Celia.
What is it?"
Jordan's dark eyes were compel
ling, his voice sympathetic. Skill
fully he dramatized the moment.
There's nothing the matter"
Celia persisted. And then, though
she had endured harshness and dis
appointment, kindness proved too
much for her. Celia suddenly chung
to Tod Jordan, burying her face
against his coat front.
"Its-everythingl" she sobbed.
'Everythings wrong. oh, Tod, I'm
80 unhappy 7 don't know what to
dol"
She felt Jordan's arms go around
her, holding her close.
Don't. darlingi" he begged
Don't cry. Maybe there's some way
1 can help. You know I'd do any
thing in the world for you, dear.
Please stop crying and tell me all
about it."
It was some time before Celia was
able to raise her head and speak
connectedly. The young man led
her to the divan.
They sat down and it seemed only
natural for Jordan's arm to linger
about the girls shoulders.
His manner was comforting and
tender. Celia felt the strain under
which she had been suffering lessen
gradually.
Haltingly she told Tod about her
mothers disappearance ard how the
search to find her seemed hopeless.
"There's-something else, too" she
confded. L can't tell you because
I promised not to- Only-well, it
looks as though fathers going away
and I won't be able to stay with
Evelyn. Grandmother doesn't want
me with her. I don't know what's
going to happen!"
n n
DUT, little girl Jordan's voice
d was low and vibrant, docs all
this matter so terribly? Look at
me, Celia. Here-let me see your
eyes. Lovely eyes that were never
meant for tears"
He raised the girls chin until her
face was close to his. Jordan's eyes
held the girls spellbound.
Il can't go on like this" the man
said harsllly. I've got to say it
now. I love you. darling-love you
so much that I can't do without
you'll
Marry me, Celial Let me take
YOU away where you'll forget that
YOU ever knew an unhappy moment.
Will you, beloved?"
The girl had drawn away.
Why, Todl Do you mean thatP'
More than I ever meant any
thing in my life!"
"You-you want me to marry
youP"
Now. This afternoon. This very
nainutel Oh, my dearest"
He caught her to him again, kiss
ing her lips, then her cheeks and
forehead. It was an instant before
Celia could pull away.
But 1 haven't said ye," she told
him. Il don't know-I'm not
sure-r'
You can't refuse" Jordan de-
clared. Celia, swear 1 can't live
without you! You've got to marry
met"
DO you love me so much?" the
girl asked, wide-eyed.
There aren't words enough to tell
you'll"
It was the bewildering climax of
two days misery. Celia had never
listened to such ardor. Barney was
gone and there was no one else to
whom she could turn.
Every one had forsaken her but
Jordan. He wanted her, insisted he
needed her. Celia forgot her
fathers warnings about the young
man.
MY cars waiting downstairs,