The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-08-14

tNnapter korty-four Continued
Lane took especial pains as she
dressed on the first night of Tres
sas stay. Twice, thrice she rear
ranged her softly waving bronze
Sold hair.
ME rubbed poppy-colored salve on
ner lips and let her cheeks 20 un-
colored. She thought this made her
seem older, more a woman Of the
world.
HER frock was black and in the
deep V OF the bodice she thrust
the snapshot of Give.
She met him on the landing, very
tall and attractive in his dinner
clothes. His bow seemed formal
isn't that a new gown"
She hoped her smile was not as
coquettish as it felt. ct is. Do
you like it?"
up"
She noted the twinkle and colored
unwillingly. Was he making fun
of her?
Iressa, in a swirl of pale colored
lace with little red shoes twinkling
IN and out beneath her flounces.
rushed down upon them.
Give me a light, darling she
sang out to Give. She put the
cigaret between her pretty, painted
lips and held her face close to his
as he performed the little CEREMONY.
! loathe her, loathe her, loathe
herl cried Lame in her inmost
heart, watching the tableau. Gives
handsome profile had been close to
1ressas pouting mouth. 1t might
almost have been kiss. that
gesture. Lane knew Tressa thought
80, too.
She turned her back on them and
went to the window. She ground
her nails into her palms to keep
from crying out. This. She re-
minded herself. was not the way.
She must smile and pretend not
to see
She must fight this alluring won-
an with Tressa's own weapons. To
show hurt was to admit defeat
When she turned around, she was
smiling family.
I'm starved" Lame said. Come
on, you two. Ellen says dinner is
ready"
At the table she was almost CAV
But she soon discovered the CONVEX
sation was being taken out of her
hands. Although, technically. she
was mistress, TreSsa subtly made her
feel like an interloper. Tressa talked
OF people whom she and Give had
known all their lives, of places Lii
ane never had seen.
Occasionally as though with diff
Guilty she politely included Lame in
her conversation. The Younger
woman was no match for Tressa's
studied. suavity. Give felt the
tension in the atmosphere, but did
not know exactly what was happen
ing.
A S they sat over their coffee p
L n little later one of the maids
summoned Give to the telephone
and the two women were left to-
gether. The constraint was almost
tangible. TresSa f1dgeted with her
bracelets and walked about. hum
ming a little tune. She did not
even trouble to make conversation.
Quite suddenly Lame determined
TO bring war openly into camp. Did
you ever get that box of thumb
tacks?" she asked coolly, cycling the |
other girl.
Tressa stared. What? What ever
are you talking about?"
The tackS you borrowed the dav
was driving into town for nv fit |
TING" Lame said with deadly quiet
ness. Her glance never wavered
from the others and she had the |
satisfaction Of seeing her adversary
flush.
Il haven't the faintest idea what |
you're driving at" Tressa an
nounced with cool insolence. I'm
afraid you imagine things"
She began to hum again very
softly and continued to pace up and
down, waving her cigaret to and |
fro. Gives voice could be heard
family from the booth down the |
hall.
CUDDENLY Tressa turned, faring
~ upon her hostess, her nostrils di-
lated and her voice trembling with
anger.
You'd better not try to start
anything at this late day." she cried
furiously. You'd better do what
you can to straighten out this mess
you're in! Let Give go. Let him
be happy Any one with half an
eye can see how miserable he isl"
NTIC-,v Jopa vro,,