The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1930-07-24
OUT OUR WAY

CHAPTER THREE tConJlnued)
But it was the family itself that
steadied her feet upon this unwont-
ed course; the family as represented
at one of Aunt Lizzie Eyre's solemn
family dinners only a few days after
the Palmer problem had first been
presented to Patricia.
They were all there, the Pages
and Throckmortons and Chamberses
and Pomeroys. Dorothy, the daugh-
ter-in-law. was there with George,
and Christine. the married daugh-
ter, who was Mrs. Joel Carey Bruce,
with Joel and young Christine. Old
Aunt Louise was there, magnificent
in her wheeled chair.
Handsome men and ugly, distin-
guished-looking women, they cir
cled about the big, old-fashioned,
comfortable house and gathered
about the long table at the prepoS-
ferrous hour of 2 o'clock for the
usual endless courses and the in
evitable chicken and rolls and layer
cake and ice cream. Uncle Paul
liked these gatherings, and the fam
lily was too used to them to really
analyze their essential qualities.
"Catalogin' the Palmer books, eh?'
said Uncle Paul, from the head of
the table, with an indulgent smile
for the family beauty. Patricia
nodded, conscious of a heightened
color.
Are they awful?" Dorothy asked,
widening innocent eyes.
Not so dreadful" Patricia an
swered stoutly.
I think you make mistake,
dear said her aunt. Mrs. Throck-
morton. decidedly. Better let such
people alonel"
That's what I say!" Christine
Bruce added pleasantly. They'll
have an AK to grind yet, Patti
after all. it's my business, Chris
tinel" Patricia said. with just a
touch of asperity in her voice.
T DON'T know that it isl" Dor
i othy Eyre suddenly protested.
She and Christine, prosperously
married in their debuntante years,
and sisterS-in-law, well could take
issue with Patricia. After all, you
owe something to your friends, Pat,
you owe something to the-the fam
ilyl" she said, her well-groomed, in
telligent little face turning rosy as
the attention of the entire group
centered upon her.
Il wouldn't ask my friends to
meet any one they we're obviously
unwilling to meet!" Christine put
in neatly, ANY more than I would
would do any other thing that an
noyed them! I'd rather starve."
so should l." Dorothy said, set
ting back with an air of finality.
You'd rather I should starve, -
Patricia amended in her heart.
Aloud she said indiferently: shes
really rather attractive, Beatrice
Palmer"
Beatrice, eh?" smiled young
Roger Chambers. mo more PAN
sy. eh?"
rs she home. Pat?' one or two
voices asked.
"Oh, Pat had her at tea at the
Countrywoman'S yesterday" Chris
tine answered. That's what we're
talking about"
ssC1.1Fc Ia. De-
mitted. "Young-and rangy. But
she rides and dances beautifully,
and, of course, she finished at Far
radays."
Exactly. dear" Mrs. Throck-
morton said. "She is like any other
nice young girl. But I think my
self she is a little out of place at
the Countrywoman'S. OF course,
once was all right But she will
find her own level, and really have
a better time than making herself
wretched trying to"
To what?" Patricia asked, as
the good lady paused.
We'll. what shall I say? TIC get
into our set perhaps expresses il, /"
Mrs. Thrcckmorton finished. Not
that we are any better than she,
il isn't that. But she simply isn't
6 member Of this particular group!"
Exactly, Aunt Annie!" Dorothy
approved.
Patricia was silent. But in that
moment she committed herself to
the Palmer cause with determina-
ton that meant battle If opposed.
CITING at the great table in
- the library at the Castle. she
outlined her campaign. Opposite
her, flushed. sowing and earnest,
sat Dan Palmer. Longing in Is
great chair at the fireplace was Be-
aGice. lately Pansy, looking lean.