The Indianapolis times., 1931-06-22
CHApTER FoRTY-sEvEN

CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
TINE appeal was from Irene, but
4 It was not voiced by her. Gay
lord sent it in a telegram, quite
unaware that It could or would be
interpreted as direct call for help.
Irene, he said. would need to have
= new skin surgically applied to one
side Of her face. She must be kept
IN the hospital longer than at first
was supposed. but she was doing
nicely and the grating was neces-
sary only TO insure her against
permanent disfguration.
She would like to have her mother
with her if that were possible. He
would defray the expenses.
Mrs. Everett was horrifed. ~I
knew It'll knew itl" she wept Wild
ly. Il knew i'll My poor little baby!
Her sweet little face-I knew she
was hurt badly!
"Oh, aren't you ashamed of the
way you talked" she ragged at Beryl.
Think OF your poor sister out there
81 alone in hospital and her poor
little face all torn to piecesp"
Beryl left the room. She had to
90. Self-efacement swept over her.
Had she been responsible for this
thing that had happened to her
sister? Irene would have been safe
ly married TO Tommy now but for
her interference.
And what had it done to Tommy?
1t nearly had wrecked him, as
well as costing the end Of BeryPs
career.
In despair she sank to her knees
beside her bed. How had she dared
to interfere in the destinies Of
others?
Remorse drove her to thoughts Of
penance. She must do something!
Her mothers crying came to her
through the closed door and flayed
her quivering soul until she be-
heved herself solely responsible for
all the ills that had befallen the
family. She must make up for it.!
She must do something!
1t was pitiful to think Of Irene
out there, helpless, except for the
grudglng care Of an unloving hus-
band. And Irene hadn't asked any,
thing of them. Sh was being
brave.
OF course Beryl could not know
that Irene was being cared for in
private hospital room with two
private nurses and every possible
luxury.
Nor could Beryl know that in her
helplessness" Irene was planning
the final conquest of Tommy.
IRENE did not mind being in the
L hospital after the doctors had
told her she would not be 6isfg-
ured. The pain had been severe at
first, but it was gone now and she
could give her attention to the role
Of being an exquisite invalid.
She had q manicurist and hair
dresser in daily. And she was such
dear, sweet little thing the doc
tors admired her greatly.
Her nurses, naturally did not
share with the medical men the
condolences they exchanged with
each other.
A few Of the lesser social lights
who were not sure of the outcome
OF her separation from Gaylord
came to see her and brought her a
lavish quantity Of flowers.
1t was quite within the realm of
&c ~
pressed it, that the accident would
bring Gaylord and Irene together
again.
Thus Irene had an audience to
fatter her. She wa.s anything but
the abject and forlorn little creature
her sister had begun to picture
her.
There was a change when the
doctors told her she must have a
transfer Of skin. Then Irene be-
came frightened and sent fearful
message to Gaylord to come to her.
He arrived, steeled against an ap-
peal for forgiveness.
Irene studied his face for q mo-
ment when he entered the room
end saw that it would be useless
60 expect more than he had given
her.
II want my mother" she walled
pathetically. Gaylord, I want my
mother!"
He promised to send for Mrs.
Everett, but he did not offer more,
and suddenly Irene'S mood changed.
She flew into a rage and accused
Gaylord Of being responsible for her
trouble.
You're a selfish brute" she
rallied at him. ''You took me away
from boy who really loved me and
then you neglected me for your
business and your sports. You