The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-03-08

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to stare through the open window
into the hot night.
Wheeling suddenly he came back
to her and forced himself to say the
words so hard to speak.
Just the other day you did not
feel under obligations to me. Now
I'm afraid you do"
There's no use pretending I'm
not grateful to you," Ellen adj
mitted. mo use pretending I
wouldn't like TO do everything I
can to make you as happy as you've
made me. But that isn't a fault,
Is it?"
THE light from the single I'M
Il shaded bulb aureoled her tawny
hair and gilded her bare arms, re-
vealed by the thin blue frock. She
stood there so fresh and confident,
so young and desirable. that Bar
clay felt his resolution weaken.
But how about-how about the
other MANI" he asked. clearing his
throat.
Il hope you'll understand, Steven,
when tell you that he brought me
nothing but misery and grief and
heartache.
Il thought I'd go mad with rest
lessness and pain when I knew him.
1t was that kind of love, Steven.
The love it's best to forget"
She paused, then added, "But
that's all done now. I can even
say I'm glad it's done"
Ellen believed the words as she
spoke them. Steven believed her
because he wanted to, but there was
no real confidence in his heart.
AS Ellen raised her fresh young
lips to his first kiss, she determined
that he should be happy. 1t was
not the ecstatic kiss she had
dreamed Of, but she felt at peace.
She thought it was peace that she
wanted.
Hand in hand like Children they
went into the living room to an
nounce their engagement.
Myra and Bert we're pleased. but
surprised. Myra kissed them both
IN quaint and dignif1ed way. Bert
shyly shook hands with the hand
some, CRAVING man who was to be
his brother-in-law.
Atterward they washed the
dishes, all of them, and were verv
gay. Myra and Bert ioked and
leased until Ellen blushed as
brightly as Steven. But she did
not mind the teasing.
Then the girls put on hats TO 90
to the hospital. Alone together for
moment, Myra gave Ellen an
ecstatic hug and whispered the wish
that she always would be happy.
The four Of them went down the
stairs. Mrs. Clancy was at her
usual post and waved a greeting
On sudden impulse Ellen stopped to
announce the news and to introduce
Steven as her f1ance. She knew
from Stevens boyish laugh that he
was pleased.
"When's it to be?' demanded
Mrs. Clancy.
Ellen heSitated. There had been
no talk of dates.
Probably not for some time. -
Steven answered for her. I'm COM
PEELED to sail for Europe Saturday
and the wedding will take place
after my return"
Mrs. Clancys smiling, significant
eyes followed them until they were
lost to sight by the stairway turn,
Myra and Bert were already out
side. Tt was as they we're going
down the last flight of stairs that
Ellen spoke.
Would you like to make it soon
or, Steven?" she asked. "Soon
enough so that if Mikes well enough
can go to Europe with you?"
'Ellen!'
LIE caught her in his arms So
Il 4 roughly that for a moment
she was frightened. His hoarse, low
voice was murmuring in her ear.
So she did love him! She did
want to make it soon! Something
in Ellen's heart turned over with
shame and dismay. She under
stood all at once, as she trembled
in his arms, that the reason she
had wanted to make it soon was to
protect herself from another meet
ing with Larry Harrowgate.