The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-08-16


Can you sit up, Barry, il I hold
you?" Mr.. Gsrretson was saying
anxiously.
The minister. a lean faced young
man, drew nearer. Mrs. Faxon ar
rived from somewhere and the nurse
cleared her throat expectantly.
But you aren't going to marry
this old man" Lottie whispered
sharply to Mona. They've fooled
you-don't stand for it. If you lose
your Job, I'll see you through"
Mona shook off Lotties objections
and moved nearer. Shed go through
the ceremony She would live up
to her part Of the bargain and she'd
take the money they offered and use
it, too
In some way, somehow, she would
make John Barnett Townsend payl
He would pay for running her life
and running Barry's life
so Barry wouldn't stay" she re-
peated, smiling, with no sign Of the
tumult in her heart. Possibly he
didn't approve of your choice of
bride. Her voice sounded metallic,
unnatural.
EOR once Lottie was speeches..
L She watched Mona calmly re-
move her gloves, clasp hands with
the man who had betrayed her
trust, and in a few swift sentences
become his wife
And now shall we go?" Mona
smiled, when she had become Mrs.
John Barnett Townsend LAS I I'M
derstand it, am free to come and
go as I wish, to make my home at
the Townsend house in Sixty third
street"
Her husband bowed. ITO come
and go as you like with, of course,
one stipulation almost unnecessary
to mention. You are to conduct
yourself so that no action in any
way reflects on your new name"
Mona bowed.
Mr.. Townsend waved generous
hand. Go anywhere you like for a
few days-the Ritz, Atlantic City.
A suite in the Sixty-third street
house is being renovated for you.
Garretson will arrange all financial
matters.
Suppose you take a week enjoy
ing yourself. Shopping possibly,
visiting your family, getting adjust
ed to your new-er-si situation. Take
your friend here with you He
broke off in a spasm of coughing.
The two girls left the room in
silence. Mona, head held high, said
nothing as they walked down the
wide stairway At the foot she
turned to Lottie.
"A year isn't forever" Flinging
her head back she turned to the
butler. Tell Mr.. Garretson that
he'll find us at the-er-'
Ritz supplied Lottie hopefully.
Ritz" Mona repeated firmly,
drawing on her gloves.
Mr.. Garretson appeared at the
top of the stairway Miss Moran,
er-Mrs. Townsend" he called. One
moment" The lawyer descended
hurriedly. Here is the ring, the
engagement ring, you know.
1T hadn't been completed yester-
day when We talked matters over.
Possibly you would like to wear it
with'-he pointed to the platinum
circlet almost shyly-"with that"
TINE ring he held was magnifi-
i cent. Even Lottie gasped. A
huge emerald surrounded with dia-
monds cleaned in the palm of his
lean brown hand. Your birth
stone" he explained. Mr.. Town
send sscertained that you were born
in May"
Mona took the ring absently,
weighed it in her closed hand for
a moment, a faraway lc K in her
eyes. When she lifted her eyes
they held an infinitely weary look
in their depths.
IF you need anything" Mr.. Gar
retson was saying, call me. Or call
Stroud Wait minute-Ill call
him from here. Going to the Ritz?
That's fine. Get Stroud on the
phone about any cash"
Jackson was waiting and the girls
moved through the door.
We'll do that little thing" Lottie
responded over her shoulder as
Mona did not answer.
ITO the Ritz, Jackson"
Yes, madame I found out about
the car, Miss" Jackson turned to
add confdentially. Mr.. Steve drove
back to town last night and Mr.
Barry followed in the V 81. We
calls the cars by their license num-
bers here And the roadster went
aboard the Miranda with the young
men, Miss. The V 81 came back
alone"
Thanks" was Lottie's brief re-
joinder.