The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-03-06
CHAPTTR THREE

NOW Go ON WITH THE STORY
CHAPTER THREE
Crosby kissed her. This time on
the cheek and tenderly. Almost
Immediately the cab stopped.
Why, we're herep exclaimed
the girl. Does the place look
faniliar?"
Certainly does. Oh, oh-new
curtains Gypsy, you should have
prepared me for the shock. New
curtainsl Otherwise I'd swear it
was yesterday that I left"
She ran up the steps ahead of
him but before she could push the
bell the door opened. Mrs. O'Hare
in her best blue silk, her black hair
glorifled by bobbing ringlets, ap-
peared in the hallway.
Mr.. Crosbyl" she cried. MY, but
It's grand to see you home again!"
Thank you, Mrs. O'Hare. It's
fine to see you"
"And your old room is waiting
for you" the landlady went on
crisply. "It's had fresh paint and
a new carpet since you saw it last.
But never mind about that now.
Dinner'll get cold Come in and
let me take your hat and coat.
Everything's ready, Gypsy. Come
right on to the dining room!"
There was heartiness about Mrs.
OHare which swept all else before
her. Crosby and Gypsy found them
selves in the rear dining room.
Other guests crowding about them.
IT'S surprised" Gypsy explained.
Mrs. O'Hare wouldn't let me tell
you. ALI the other roomers are
here"
Hasty introductions followed. The
hostess led Alan to the head of the
table. You're to sit here, Mr..
Crosby" she said. Gypsy, you
take this chair on the left"
The young man hesitated.
I wonder-would you mind If I
made telephone call?" he asked.
why, certainly not. You re-
member where the phone is
The others found their places
and the seconds dragged as, with
unusual formality, they stood wait
ing. Two fiery circles burned in
Gypsy McBride's cheeks.
1t must have been nearly i've
minutes before the young man re-
turned to his place beside Mrs.
O'Hare.
I'm terribly sorry" he said sober
~ "but I must ask you to excuse
me. Something unexpected has
come UP. lists a business mat
ter. I hope you won't mind?"
The young man smiled winningly.
A minute later he was gone.
q =
THE afternoon sunlight, pouring
L into the southwest windows of
Catherine Langleys sitting room,
sifted through curtains of pale gold
gauze and fell in cleaning yellow
pools on a carpet over which an
cient Persians had toiled.
Part of the sunlight caught in
the dark green draperies which
reached to the floor. Part of it fell
on velvet upholstery and fine
carved walnut.
And some Of the sunbeamS-a
particularly favored group-danced
about the titan head of Catherine
Langley who, at "a, still looked
young enough and lovely enough to
defy dancing sunbeams.
She was leaning back against a
low, tapestry covered divan, Her
frock OF sheer green crepe with deli
cate embroidered traceries Of gold,
had been cut and fitted by design
er whose name was world famous.
The glowing auburn hair, swirl
ing with careless perfection and
drawn back from the ears, was like
a coronet.
Mrs. Langley's aristocratic face
was utterly pale except for the lips,
which formed narrow crimson
bow. Her eyes were the green of
her gown, shaded with gray.
Everything about her-from the
flaming bowl OF peoples on the
niantlepiece to the jade ash tray ON
the low table beside her-had been
chosen as stage properties to en-
hance the beauty Of their owner.
Mrs. Langley's expression was
thoughtful. She spoke in a low,
contralto voice:
But you must see," she was say
ing, ''how important it is for you
TO know these peoplel They have
influence and they'll help you"
Alan Crosby snuffed out his Gig
aret and moved uneasily.