The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-09-29

got to have Mark now? Ive-Tve
just got to have him. Oh, Chris,
don't want to live without himI"
But you don't know yet"
II dol Oh, I dol 1t was in that
newspaper. II read It just be-
fore everything went black before
my eyes! It's true, Chris. It's true
about the divorce"
Chris leaned forward. Does Mark
know" she asked cautiously, about
the baby"
The yellow head shook negatively,
emphatically. "I've-only known
myself since Christmas. I-oh, I
tell you I don't want to ivel II
can't"
Presently she was quiet again and
Chris was able to say what she had
been trying to get out earlier. BRAD
said I could talk to Jim Daniels
about the case. He's Brad's lawyer.
There may be something you can
do yet, Norma. If there is he'll
know. You mustn't give up until
I've talked to him"
But, Christ" The voice from the
covers was fainter now, more trem-
ulous. Don't you sect means
it means Mark doesn't love me any
more! He couldn't do a thing like
this if he loved mel"
tits his lying, underhand father
who's to blame!" Chris almost
snorted the words. "Oh, don't say
I admire Mark for what's happened,
but it's his father who's respon-
sible!'
Norma said between sobs, TT
don't want to live-if Mark doesn't
love me-"
A LITTLE later her mood changed
"a to lf-condemnation She be-
rated herself for a dozen reasons.
II ought to have told Mark" she
moaned over and over. 81 ought
to have told him about everything
even if it killed me!
'It. was wrong to run away from
his fathers house. If I'd stayed,
this wouldn't have happened! It's
all my fault"
Chris had all she could do to
silence this new outburst. She
made promises she knew we're i'm
possible, Stalling for time. At length
her efforts were successful. Norma
lay perfectly still, seemed to relax.
If you'll only shut your eyes now
and try to sleep!" Chris urged.
I'll try" Norma said obediently.
She closed her eyes. The older girl
watched from her post at the side
of the bed and noted that Norma's
breathing was regular and deep.
Minutes passed and then Norma
opened her eyes again.
I'm all right now" she said.
''You ought to go back to the Office,
Chris"
you're sure there's nothing more
you want?"
Nothing"
"And you'll stay right here and
try to rest? I'm going to tell Mrs.
Bixby to send up your lunch"
Il couldn't eat anything. Honest
ly. Not now"
"Well-a little later then. If
you're sure everything's all right TIL
go now but I'll be back this evening.
Just as soon as can get here from
work"
NTORMA'S eyes were closed and
IN she did not answer. Chris
put on her wraps, watched the other
girl anxiously for several moments,
finally turned without speaking and
left the room.
She stopped for a consultation
with Mrs. Bixby before she boarded
a street car bound downtown.
Norma heard the outer door
close. The house was unusually
quiet. She lay still, listening for
what must have been twenty min
utes.
Then as silently as possible she
arose and slipped into her clothing.
She put on her coat and hat and
opened the hall door Stealthily.,
No one appeared to stop her when
she reached the ground floor. Five
minutes later Norma was at the
street intersection. A cab driver
swerved in answer to her signal
and drew up at the curb.
Norma stepped into the cab and
gave an address. Her face, as she
sank back against the leather seat,
was like parchment.
A moment later she leaned for
ward and tapped the glass partition
separating her from the driver.
Hurry, will you?" Norman
begged.
(u,o n r--ksSN