The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1930-09-20
CHAPTER EIGHT

TOR an instant the room was
i silent. It was an electric still
ness. Then Margaret Rogers went
on falteringly. She was addressing
her daughter and her voice was
tense and low
You don't understand, darling.
You were too little to remember.
But this is your father! He's come
to-talk to YOU"
She turned toward Mitchell.
'CeDa's almost young lady. Don't
you think SOP" Margaret managed
a smile, but her words were tinged
with hysteria.
Celias eyes had not left her
mothers face
But, MOTHER" There was dis
may in every syllable.
Fiercely, protectively, Margaret
Rogers gathered the girl into her
arms.
I ought to have told you" she
crooned. you should have known
long ago. Forgive me, Celia. I
thought I was doing the right thing.
i tried to.
You see, long ago when I was
very young I married your father.
We-quarreled. You were a little
baby-3 years old--when we sep
arated. There was divorce. After
that we came to Baltimore. I mar
ried Bob Rogers. You used to call
him Daddy Bob
And after the accident-well, I
put off telling you about your own
father until you were old enough to
understand. Do you understand
now, darling? Do you?"
She lifted the girls chin, gazing
fearfully into the brown eyes.
Tell me, Celia!" the mother in
sisted.
"Tm-trying to understand" Celia
said
Margaret stepped back
John" she said, I'm sorry.
Mitchell looked as staid and un-
emotional as when he entered the
room. He cleared his throat.
Now that your mother has eX-
planned the long story, shall we sit
down and talk things over?" 1t was
to Celia he was speaking. You are
much like your mother-in appear
ance. was hardly prepared to find
you so grown up
MARGARET had seated herself
WI OH the davenport. Celia crossed
the room and sat beside her, taking
her mothers hand and holding it
nervouSly.
For some time have been
thinking about your future" John
Mitchell leaned back in the big
chair and crossed the right knee
over the left. Your mother agrees
with me that the outlook here is
limited. How would you like to go
abroad for a year?"
You mean-a trip to Europe? oh,
but couldn't" Celia was finding
her voice again. Color flushed her
pale cheeks.
why not?" Mitchell asked.
Il have a job" The girl raised
her head and there was pride in
her voice. I'm going to begin work
next Monday
Would you rather do this work
than sail for Europe?"
Celia heSitated. A little wrinkle
of stubbornness came between her
eyes.
Yes" she said thoughfully.
"Oh. but Celia, you don't realize
what you're Sayingl" 1t was Mar
garet who protested. Your father
is offering you wonderful things.
You haven't heard it all yet You
mustn't be haSty. dear
But I couldn't give up my job
could I, mother?"
John Mitchell spoke decisively.
You are to go back TO New York
with me as soon as you can be
ready We will decide later about
your future Observation-Disclosures it
is to be travel or further study first.
But you should understand at
once. Celia, that I am financially
able to provide for you in a liberal
way ana the loea OF employment Is
out OF the question. You will have
an ample allowance.
Celia's quick glance passed from
Mitchell to Mrs. Rogers.
Mother. does he mean-are We
both going?"
Margaret Rogers lip trembled.