The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-06-04
@ D 81, I!75!|0 '..l!. ( IR

Beryl decided that Tommy was
right. They'd best stop and talk.
"Well?" Tommy invited as che
still hesitated after the car was
comfortably parked in the shade.
She faced him. Her voice showed
how wretched she felt. Shall I let
you have both barrels at once,
Tommy" she asked.
Sure. Go ahead"
Its pretty tough Sure you can
take it?"
"Of course. Shoot!1
Beryl drew in her breath. i
can't get Irene back for you" she
said. She's married
Tommy just wilted. He didn't
say word or make a move-he
just wilted. Neither spoke for a
long time. Tommy's voice was hol-
low when he did look at Beryl and
say duly: Tell me about it."
She told him all she knew and
was tempted to add what she
thought, but appreciated the futility
Of it.
She might as well tell him that he
was lucky to be alive as to tell him
that he was lucky to lose Irene.
She drove back to his home when
he asked her to without tormenting
him with conversation. When he
asked a question she answered it,
but did not volunteer further in
formation.
"See you later" Tommy said ca
sually when he stepped out Of the
car. Beryl watched him enter the
house. After that she went in
search Of his uncle.
When she had spoken her mind
to Mr.. Hoffman, he knew that he'd
better look after Tommy or answer
to virago.
A FTER that she went home.
IN There one stroke Of good for
tune had befallen her. Irene and
her new husband had departed.
Mrs. Everett still was really ex-
cited and, apparently forgetting
that hot words had passed between
her and Beryl few hours earlier,
insisted on repeating all Irene had
said. Irene had this! Irene was to
have thatl And just look at these
orchids!
BeryI gazed at the mass of ex-
pensive blooms. Nov know" she
said, what is meant by beggar on
horseback"
Her mother looked at her doubt
fully. She did not understand and
SO could not reply. But there was
something she did mean to say,
and be firm about it, too.
Her voice became sharp. cit
wasn't at all nice of you to stay
away and not wish your sister hap
piness," she said. Irene was ter
ribly disappointed, and don't know
what Prentiss thought of it,
Beryl's lips TWISTED into a caustic
smile. eyes" she admitted, II dare
say Irene was disappointed. A pa
rade's no good without some one to
view it."
She turned and walked away, IN
needing her mothers continued
scolding.
Alone in her room Beryl had to
admit there was satisfaction for
herself in the situation. No use
trying to deny it. telling herself it
was beastly to feel so when Tommy
was unhappy.
She had not done this thing to
Tommy. She had not made the
choice Of evils for him. And in time
he would learn that what had hap
pened was best for him.
The light in Beryl's eyes dinlned
family. I'm a fool" she told her
self. Tommy never will love me.
If that were to be, it would have
happened before this. No. It will
be some other girl. He'll never care
for me-"
A LITTLE later Mrs. Everett
IN called her to come down to
dinner She said she was not
hungry.
Beryl"s voice, as she called back
down the stairs, sounded husky. She
stayed in her room all evening. Her
mother climbed the stairs to point |
out something she thought Beryl
might have overlooked.
1t was that Irene would be in an
influential position now where she
could help Beryl great deal.
How do you mean-help ne?"
Baryl asked.
why, in your career" her mother
explained. Don't you think you'd
better write her a nice little note
and apologize?"
Beryl smothered the anger that
rose within her and laughed. II
guess you don't know how funny
that is" she said.
It's not funny. It's serious!"