The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-09-22


init to what he won't do for him if
his works out we'll"
n
THE girl felt her head swimming
i They were all rushing ahead
Planning Marks future. Talking
about great opportunities about
big things" about money and bust
ness success as though they we're
the only things in life. What about
Norma? She felt she was being
lost in the swift tide.
I'm glad" Norma said slowly,
'for Marks sake. I hope 1t all
comes out as you say"
"Oh, it will. When Mr.. Travers
makes up his mind on matter,
there's never the slightest doubt"
Mark, a. little distance away, was
lighting cigaret.
That's right, Mother" he said.
Tell Norma I'm not going to fall
into the ocean or be eaten UP by
sharks. She has the idea crossing
the Atlantic is about like flying to
the moon"
Mark will be all right" the elder
Travers put in. He's a good sailor"
Eyes, of counsel" Mrs. Travers
was speaking to Norma again.
And while he's gone you'll be
busy, you know. I'm sure you'll
want to find little place to live
in this part of the city, mean.
"Of course, the rooms you have
are very nice, but it would be so
much more convenient if you and
Mark could be near"
Planning, planning! The rest of
the evening was devoted to it.
Every one was planning for the flu
ture except Norma. Every one had
a great deaf to say, but somehow
the girls own wishes were ignored.
She was to do this; she was to
do that-but no one consulted her.
1t was all to be very wonderful,
though in exactly what way no one
explained.
There was talk of men and
women Of whom Norma never had
heard. Travers, his wife and son
chatted easily. They seemed to for
get the girls presence.
CHE sat back very still and white,
~ listening to the others. They
hate me-" Norma told herself. mo
matter what they say or how much
they smile I know they hate mel
They don't want me herel"
They" referred to Marks par
ents. There was nothing tangible
to which she could trace this pre-
sentiment. There were no Sights
to his wife evident to Mark.
Yet when the two were in their
own apartment later that night
Norma dropped her wrap. Mark"
she begged, clinging to his Shout
ders, don't go away! Please don't
go!"
He kissed her. 1--WE got to, sweet
heart. You know that"
please don't! I'm sure something
terrible is going to happen. I know
it will! Oh, know It'll"
ITS just that you're tired, dear.
Better get to bed Mother and Dad
will look out for you while I'm away.
If 1 didn't know that, I'd be wor-
ried myself.
Come on. Get out of that dress
and let's get to bed. You looked
awfully sweet tonight, Norma"
CHE refused to be quoted and
- comforted. There was a scene,
ending with Norma's crying herself
to sleep. On Sunday-the follow
ing day-they went over the same
Norma was willing to
admit the trip would be good thing
for Mark. She could not
explain her deep-rooted prejudice.
No use to tell the youth she knew
his parents loathed her. No use
telling him it was feminine intui-
ton that warned her against the
Something will happen!" she re-
peated dozen times. Something
that will be terrible!"
It all resulted in a strained, mis-
cradle state of affairs lasting until
4 o'clock Monday afternoon. Marks
train was to leave at 4:10. They
were gathered in a little group IN
the station waiting room-his IA
Their, mother, and Norma.
Mark, brisk, smiling little nerv-
ously, put his arm around the
girl. you're going to write often,
dear? You're going to try to be
happy?"
I'll try, Mark"
A red cap appeared to take the
bags. They went to the car with
him. There were kisses, farewell
messages. Noise and confusion. A
quick, tremulouS embrace between
Mark and Norma.
Suddenly all the girl knew was
that the train was pulling away
from them. She cried out. Tears
filled her eyes.
On the rear of the last platform
she still could see Mark, waving.
CHAPTER THIRTY
TRAVERS led the way through
Il the station and his wife fol-
lowed beside Norma. Mrs. TraverS
said as they stepped out on the |