The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-04-03
MAD MARRIAGE
~ LAURA LOU BR00kN1AN Author 0ff7fARf fI4q6RYel

i Hello. Steve. Wed like to see
Miss Roberts"
Il guess she's here, all right" the
man called Steve answered Just
minute and III call the matron."
He left them A moment later
Jim Wallace glanced at his wife.
Why, Gypsy" he exclaimed, what's
the matter?"
CYPSY'S hand trembled on
VI Jim's arm. I'm all right" she
said; only it seems SO awful to be
in a place like this"
I told you you shouldn't have
come" Jim reminded her.
But I don't mean for myself I
mean for prisoners-people accused
of committing crimes. Those bars
at the windows and heavy chains
aren't they horrible?"
The jail guard returned with a
large w1nan dressed in blue. She
was introduced as Mrs. Sloan, the
matron, and led them up fight of
stairs.
Nina doesn't seem to be feeling
very we'll" Mrs. Sloan confded. Il
don't know what's the matter. She
won't eat her meals"
Does she complain of feeling
sick?"
NO. Just doesn't eat and lies on
her cot most of the time. l don't
think she sleeps much" Her voice
died away as they approached tier
of cells.
This was the woman's ward Gyp-
sy caught glimpses behind bars of
several kimono-clad figures. Mrs.
Sloan walked ahead, paused before
cell, and inserted a key in the
lock.
A girl was sitting inside with her
back toward them, and at the sound
Of the key in the lock she swung
around.
Here's some company for you,
Nina" Mrs. Sloan said brisky. go
right inside, Mr.. Wallace" The
matron waited while Gypsy and Jim
entered the tiny place.
Then she closed the door after
them and locked it, promising to be
back in ten minutes.
Good afternoon, Nina" Jim be-
gan easily This is Mrs. Wallace,
my wife. She's been interested in
what I've told her about your case
and wanted to come to see you"
Nina Roberts stood up. She was
taller than Gypsy, but even in the
ugly prison apron her figure looked
slim and graceful. The feature of
the girls face that scared itself
into memory were her dark eyes.
They we're large eyes-seeming
even larger against her palIid skin.
They turned on Gypsy with
feverish, questioning intensity.
Nina's hair was dark brown, pulled
back from her forehead and fast
ened in knot at her neck. Her
face was untouched by rouge or
powder.
Gypsy who had seen the girls
photograph in newspapers, was
shocked to find how different she
looked.
Gypsy stepped forward now and
put out her hand
How do you do, Miss Roberts?"
she said. Il hope you don't mind
our coming. I really feel I know
you because of all I've heard of YOU
from jim"
Nina Roberts did not smile. Il
don't mind" she said. After an in
slant she added, Wont you sit
DOWN."
THERE was one chair beside the
i cot in the cell. Gypsy took the
chair and Jim leaned against the
door. Nina resumed her seat on
the cot.
A moment of awkward pause fol-
lowed Then Jim said: you've
had lunch, I suppose? Hows the
food these days. Is it any better?"
It's all right" Nina told him.
She spoke in a low voice, with
scarcely any infection. Her eyes
continued to watch Gypsy.
Sleep well?" jim persisted.
Il guess So"
Gypsy wondered why Jim did not
realize such questioning was use
less. She leaned forward. Miss
Roberts" she began, Il want you to
know 1 believe you're innocent of
this terrible crime and 1 believe my
husband is going to prove it. I'm
sure he will
You mustn't lose courage now. I
only wish there were something I
could do to make these long days
pass more quickly"
Why should I want them to
pass?' Nina asked, bitterly. They're
going fast enough"
The eyes of the two girls met. In
that flashing instant Nina Roberts
looked very helpless, very young.
Gypsy went to her and slipped an
arm about her shoulders.
please" she begged, don't talk
that way Jim and I both want to
g-,,a1T 7,e>.SSuAaYF%>.SSST