The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-03-31

out the slightest realization Of their
meaning.
The girl nodded when an answer
seemed to be expected Of her. Twice
Miss Christopher repeated questions.
She was certainly energetic.
From curtains she turned the con-
versation to furniture and rugs and
she rose from her chair and darted
/ across the room to show just where
she would place the Georgian chest
/ she recommended.
Gypsy heard such phrases as
modern treatment" and periods in
harmony" and light values"
How had Alan learned where to
send the letter? How long had he
known that she was married? Gypsy
puzzled over these questions.
Most of all, she wanted to know
Whree he was and what had made
him write TO her. She had felt so
brave when she had left without a
word Of farewell. Now she knew it
had been running away.
z
MISS CHRISTOPHER'S voice
Iva broke in upon the girls
thoughts. IF you'd care to show
me the upstairs rooms now she
began, but Gypsy interrupted.
I'm sorry" she said. I'm afraid
We'll have to make it some other
time. I have some appointments
that 1 really must keep"
"Oh, hope I haven't delayed
you! Suppose I telephone early next
week. Would that do? It's such
a pleasure to work with you, Mrs.
Wallace.
III follow out your suggestions
about the curtains and when I come
again, III let you know the best
price 1 can get on that chest. Well
4 must run! Goodby."
Gypsy went to the door with her.
After that there was a conference
with the man from the electric shop
who was waiting in the kitchen.
1t was 1890 when he was gone
and Matilda announced luncheon
was ready. Gypsy was not hungry,
but she had told Matilda what to
prepare, so she went to the dining
room.
She was still at the table. when
the door bell rang.
It's a lady to see you" Matilda
announced. "She says her names
Miss Manley."
Gypsy rose and hurried to the
hall. Abbie Marley came toward
her with both hands out. INV
dear" she exclaimed, II hope you'll
forgive me for coming at such an
outrageous hour.
IF I've disturbed your luncheon,
please go on with it. I was so anx-
ious to see you and this was the
only chance I had"
: Tn glad you did come" Gypsy
told her. do sit down"
She led the way into the living
room. Abbie sank into an armchair
and Gypsy sat opposite her.
Mrs. Manley paused an instant
and then words rushed on. "I want
to tell you how dreadfully I feel
about what happened last night.
Lucia and Ellen deserved every
word jim said to them.
oh, yes, they did! Lucia Wal
lace is a cat and the whole town
knows it. Only you mustn't think
we're all like her. Ben's a good sort
but he let's his wife tell him what
to do Charles and I want you to
feel that we're your friends"
It's lovely Of you to come and
tell me this" Gypsy said, her lip
trembling.
you poor child! And I'm afraid
you've been crying this morning.
Now just forget the whole thing!
Wipe it out of your mind.
Il want to know what evening
next week you and Jim can have
dinner with us"
'Why-Im not sure"
Chow about Wednesday? If any
thing comes up so that you won't
be able to make it. you can tele-
phone. My dear, I've spent two
hours at the dentists and I'll de-
clare I'm worm Quit"
Then you haven't had lunch?
Why didn't I think of that!' Gypsy
was on her feet, but Mrs. Manley
stopped her.
It couldn't eat a bite. NO, I
really couldn't. But a cup of COT
fee would be a heaven-sent blessing.
Not a thing with it--just cof1ee!"
Gypsy went to tell Matilda to
prepare the coffee. When she re-
turned Mrs. Manley launched forth
about her difficulties with a dress
maker.
Gypsy warmed to Abbie's frank
friendliness and forgave her garru-
lily. The coffee was served and
still Abbie chatted. It was nearly
3 o'clock when she departed.
=
A S the front door closed Gypsy
N heard ATatilda's heavy foot
steps.
mis- Wallace" the cook com