The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-07-11
CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CIT down" began Give Clees-
- paugh in a new, commanding
voice. Il want TO talk to you"
Lame obeyed abruptly, astounded
at the change in his manner.
MY mothers gone for a drive"
Give said in preface. 81 made sure
Of that-didn't want to be inter
rupted Look here, the situation is
this. You probably don't know it,
but I am tied to mothers apron
strings. Haven't cent in my own
right because Of a fool will my
father made.
He left everything to mother,
stipulating that I was to come into
my own ca few million) only in
event of my early marriage. He was
nuts (said this irreverent young man
slangily) "on the subject of youth
full marriages. Now I'm almost 25
and don't seem to have found a
wife
"Oh, yes, I forgot to tell you that
another important fact is that
mother must approve the girl I
choose. Well, of course, it's prac-
tically out Of the question to find
such a paragon. That is, I had
thought it was. Until now"
The girl did not answer. After
a moment he went on.
That's why I wanted to talk to
you, blurted out Give embarrassed
~. II have a plan which concerns
you. D'you want to hear about it?"
Lame nodded, her thoughtful eyes
on his lowering face.
Look, you'll probably think I'm
all sorts of fool, but it's no harm
TO talk it over. The thought is
this, how would it be if you and
fixed up some sort Of agreement?
Never let my mother know about it,
Of course.
If she knew the affair was cut
and dried she'd be down on us from
the start. But she likes you so
much. She wouldn't suspect any
thing if I went through the mo-
tons of falling in love with you
gradually. Little by little.
Then we could have a-what-d'-
ye-cau-it?-a marriage in name
only You could go your way,
mine. And I'd be free"
He was done at last. And still
the young girl sat, motionlesS, her
great, soft eyes full on his.
He stirred impatiently. ''You
don't need to answer at once. Think
it over" he urged.
Lane stood up. She was trem-
bling now. IT never was SO insulted
in my ufe," she said, in a throaty
voice.
Give took step in her direc-
ton. 81 didn't mean-you've thor
oughly misunderstood" he began
haltingly.
"Oh, don't say any morel You
only make it worse" cried Lame
angrily. She stamped her foot.
"Now-now you've spoiled every
thing" she walled. And just when
1 was so happy!"
CHE ran unstairs to find her
- mother weeping, the dreary,
pitiable weeping Of the GONZALES
cent.
1--WE can't go on like this, staying
here" Cass moaned to her inquiries.
ct worries me-"
Lame tried to soothe her. Mrs.
Cleespaugh wants us to stay Please,
please don't worry about it,"
tits far too much. 1t doesn't
seem right to accept it," Cass pro-
tested.
Darling, you're not to worry.
The doctor said that expressly.
Just get well and then we'll talk
finances"
"But I can't go on being a-well,
a pensioner," moaned Cass, raising
herself on one thin, bare arm.
The young girl flushed and
shrugged. But her attempts to
change the subject were fruitless.
Cass was determined to be up and
about. Only her weakened condi-
ton prevented her from struggling
into her clothes and going back to
join the company.
cts not that she isn't supremely
kind" Cass pursued, warming to the