The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-09-17
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didn't really want to see me. I'll
think you're sorry you come. o. K.
now? Going to behave?"
There was teasing fondness in
the tone. Mrs. Travers responded
like dropping plant to sunshine.
"Of course I'm all right" She
drew away, scrutinizing the young
man. only it's so good to see you,
dear You're a little thinner,
aren't you? Are you sure you're
feeling well?" She put the question
anxiously.
Sure! Never better in my life!"
THE scene had given Norma time
l. to study her mother-in-law's
appearance. Norma felt she might
have seen Mrs. Travers anywhere
and never have dreamed that this
was Marks mother.
Not a feature of the woman's face
resembled her sons. On the other
hand, it would have been impossible
to doubt that the visitor was Of the
ruling order in Marlboro society.
In the clear light of the living
room Norma noted the fine quality
Of the mink wrap, the countenance
that was autocratic even in such a
tender mood, the real lace, family
ivory, showing at the opening of
her coat. These were details that
shrieked wealth and precedence.
We'll, Nom" Mark was saying
now. Il guess you ran into Norma
out in the hall. No use to introduce
you two. Great girl, isn't she,
Mother?
And Norma knows what a brick
you are. Well, say it's good to see
you here. Stay for dinner with us,
won't you?"
The words fell on Norma's ears
with perpleXing sense of unreal
ity. Mark was talking as though
nothing had happened that after
noon.
He was talking as though he and
she hadn't come to the end of their
life together. AS though everything
weren't overt
IT can't stay, dear" 1t was Mrs.
Travers who was speaking. I'D love
to. There's nothing I'd like better,
but you'll understand why can't.
It's something else I've come to talk
about, something I hope will
make us all so much happier!'
Luckily for Norma they excluded
her from the conversation. Her
glance went from Mark to his moth
er. She had brought Mrs. Travers
into the apartment because it was
the only conceivable thing to do.
Now Norma found herself acting a
lie. She ought to have spoken up
told Marks mother she could take
her son home again-that Norma
never would come again between
Mark and his family. Somehow
she couldn't do it, no matter how
much she knew she should.
THESE thoughts raced through
a the girls mind as she heard the
others talking. Evidently his moth
er's words had startled Mark. He
looked up quickly.
"Just-what is it you came to
talk about?" he asked
But you must know, dear. It's
about your father"
did he tell you to come? Does
he know you're here now?"
Mrs. Travers shook her head. ''He
doesn't know" she admitted. mot
yet. But these weeks have been
hard on your father, Mark. He
misses you as much as do"
Marks chin lifted. II guess you
know why haven't come home!"
he said. 81 guess you know it was
Dad who started-!"
His mother interrupted. "Please.
darling!" she began, putting hand
on Marks arm. "Of course I know
about that. Let's not talk about it.
7 want you to forget all those I'M
pleasant things.
Its all over now. You can come
back and everything will be just as
1t was before you left!"
You mean fathers willing? You
mean he wants me to come home?"
"Of course he does! It's Just his
foolish pride and stubbornness that
keeps him from admitting it. He's
been worrying lot lately. Can't
sleep-poor digestion. I know it's
because he feels he acted as he
shouldn't"
But if he isn't ready to admit
it-?"
Nov, Mark, dear, you're not go
ing to disappoint me! Please say
YOU won't! All that you have to do
is go to your father and tell him
you're sorry for what happened.