The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-03-06
MAD N|ARRIAG 2
b1 IAURA LOU BR00kNAN Aul6or Of flEART fILA5RKeh

! Il know he said, @oniy-I'u feel
like a four fusher. You know how
lucky I think am even to get a
s50-a-week job. I'm not ashamed Of
it"
But. Alan, dear. they're my
friendsl And you know do so
want to help you'll"
Crosby leaned toward her. ''You
are helping me-" he said you
have. I don't suppose you could
ever realize how much you've done
for mel
why, just looking at you and
knowing any one could be so beau
tiful' is something I can't quite ex-
press"
Catherine Langley smiled serene
ly. Compliments pleased her.
Then you'll do. just this one little
thing to please me?' she asked soft
y. This one little thing-for
me?"
The young man hesitated His
dark eyes grew serious.
Catherine" he said earnestly,
'4you know there's nothing
wouldn't do for youi But don't
you see the situation? I've got to
work and make money. A lot Of it..
Right away. Every cent I had I
spent In France"
THERE was silence for a mo-
l. nlent. From beneath lowered
lashes Mrs. Langley studied the
tiny tip Of a green kid slipper.
''You-you mean you think you
oughtn't to see me any nore7"
Her voice was low, carefully re-
strained.
1t brought Crosby to his feet and
beside her.
"Of course not! Catherine, you
can't think that! That isn't what
mean at all. It's-oh, damn it!
Don't you see that's exactly what
don't nean?"
The gold lashes raised for a fleet
ing instant, lowered again.
I'm afraid I don't understand,
Alan" said Mrs. Langley. Sup
pose you tell me-"
He had taken both Of her hands
in his. But can't tell you'll"
Crosby explained. II can't tell you
now. It's because you're so won
derful yourself that money-all
these luxuries you take as q NIT
ter Of course-seen1 uninpol tant.
But they are important. And
they take money. That's why I've
got to work. You'll let me come
to see you just the same, won't
you? Not at parties, Catherine, but
evenings when we can be alone?
Times when we can talk to-
gether the way we did in Paris!
That's the way you can help me.
You understand, don't your"
The vanity which was the chief
force in Catherine LangIey's per-
sonality had been stirred. She
raised Crosby's hand and touched
it gently to her cheek.
II understand" she said, that
you are a dear boy. Is that
enough?"
The gray-green eyes were guile
less. It was part Mrs. Langley
had played frequently and she
played it well. Young men in the
early 20s Crosby was "a found
that clear gaze devastating.
There was a wordleSs instant.
Then he caught her in his arms.
Crosby's lips were pressing kisses
on GATHERINGS cheeks, upon the
flaming, painted Cupid's bow that
was her month. Over and over
again he kissed her.
"Catherine!" he whispered at
last brokenly. ooh, Catherine!"
She drew away slightly. A
family hooking, quality came into
the woman's smile. She knew SO
exactly how to time her moods.
This young artist not only would
be a handsome escort, but he was
proving manageable. It would all
be as easy as she had hoped.
There will be other times" she
reminded him, rising. and we
will have evenings together-as in
FarlS. BuC my ECCle party this eve
ning-you'u Gomez"
Crosby nodded.
cot course I will.
Mrs. Langley moved toward the
mantel and drew one of the scarlet
tulips from the amber bowl. Then
she turned about, toying with the
blossom. She could see her refec-
ton in the mirror across the room.
She was pleased with the reflection.
= Il
THE young man waited, watch
Il ing. Now he arose.
II wish I could paint you as YOU
are. standing there!" he exclaimed.
Lord, Catherine, you're beautiful!
There's no one like you'll"
She waved aside his words. Al
ways there was purpose beneath
the silken exterior of Mrs. Lang
ley's manner but that purpose was
deity concealed.
Let me see if you mean that"