The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-08-19
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except, Of course, her own-Mona
liked the library best. 1t was at the
rear Of the first floor, walled with
stained glass windows through
which lights played in mystic fash
ion.
There were cushioned seats be-
fore the windows and the walls were
lined with impressive looking books,
There was a fireplace, easy chairs,
and a desk with a polished surface
on which an unused inkStand wait
ed. The room itself had an unused
appearance.
Indeed, Mrs. Faxon had told
Mona that its chief functions had
been to serve as a setting for the
children's Christmas trees during
the holidays or for small parties
given as they grew older.
Mrs. Faxon had explained that
Mr.. Townsend rarely used it for
reading, %preferring his own book
lined sitting room upstairs.
The green lights from the win
dows stained her suits as Mona
moved forward to look at some pho
tographs hanging on the further
wall.
Strange she had not noticed
these before. They could be no one
save Barry! That slight slant of
eye, the wave in the smooth blond
hair, gaining sophistication as he
grew older.
Here was little Barry, rolling
about a fur rug, kicking bare heels
and, probably, Growing as he claSped
his fat little hands together and
regarded them delightfully."-.
Barry in rompers riding or his
tricycle..
Oh, how long ago it must have
been! Still-not awfully long,
either. Barry was only-why she
and Barry were young!
MIR. TOWNSEND, her husband,
1V1 was not young. A little farther
along the wall hung another framed
picture, a portrait of a slender,
straight man of the world with
grazing hair.
1t came from a studio which
catered exclusively to men and
which, selecting its subjects with an
eye to the purse, made of its clients
what Mona called inspired captains
of industry and very charming,
handsome persons.
Mona moved in front of Mr..
Townsend's picture, the shaft of
light falling across her head, and
stood motionless before it.
Il am married to him for six
months longer" she unused. We'll,
1 wonder if he is satisfied with
what's he's done?"
Perfectly, my dear, I assure you
The voice was cool and crisp be-
hind her. Mona turned swiftly and
beheld her husband.
1t was the first time she had seen
him in the town house which she
had un~consciously looked upon as
her own retreat.
Mr.. Townsend, f%aultlesSly dressed
in striped trousers and frock coat
was smiling at her. He laid his hat
and gloves upon the desk and sci
his stick upon a chair.
He smiled at Mona rather boyish-
ly, she thought, but for a moment
she was startled, She had uttered
her thoughts aloud!
Perfectly satisfied" Mr.. Town
send repeated. And I believe that
you are, too. Six months-as nc
doubt you were thinking-have
passed. It's just half the time until
you shall be free again."
He moved toward her, regarding
her steadily. 1T hasn't been such
frightful bondage, has it?"
AS he spoke he turned to young
Barry's portraits, regarded them g
minute and turned back to her. Hel
face, which had grown pale at hi.
entrance, flushed again. Then the
color receded.
Mr.. Townsend indicated a chair
"Sit down." he said, 81 want to tall
to you"
With a hardly perceptibIe shake
of her head, Mona remained stand
ing. At length she spoke. z
thought you were going out tx
lunch" she said. IT am ready"
Quite, I should say. You are
prompt. And 1 find you here, re-
garding the family portraits rather
Soberly. Tell me-" the girl raised
her eyes to his and found then
kindly, do you think I knew vher