The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-12-22


but perpetual electric shock. It's
Marvinl Oh, did Tom get that
pause, I wonder2 Well, he elected
Marvin for his Hello, therel SleeI
we'll? It's nice day, isn't it? Not
quite so hot!"
I've got TO see about breakfast,
Linda said hastily when the con-
ventional greetings we're over. you
two 90 on out on the terrace until
it's ready"
r
THEY were earlier than Linda
= had supposed. The girls were
just back from mass and only start
ing their work.
Returning to the central room
Linda was in time to meet the next
man down and to prevent him from
interrupting the terrace converse
ton.
ooh. good morning, Mr.. Stat
lander!" she cried brightly. You're
just in time to help me, if you will.
1 have to cut some flowers for the
house, and this is the best time, be-
fore the suns too strong.
Borne on the current of her de-
termined enthusiasm, he stalked be-
side her toward the garage.
I'm the bearer Of message from
my husband" she went on. Being
able to think of no acceptable
theme for before breakfast small
talk she clutched almost in despera-
ton at the task Tom had assigned
himself.
You know, Mr.. Statlander, that
while we enjoy having you here,
Valeska really is the one who ar
ranged it and Tom feels it's not
fair to her to break up our little
house party before you and he have
a chance to go over everything in
preparation for the Monday morn
ing conference" and she pro-
ceeded with the invitation that now
had become slightly mechanical.
AS Tom had hoped, the appeal
to duty won and by the time they
had reached a large flower bed I'M
der Mr.. Shaughnessey's bedroom
window, the western manager had
agreed-aS a sound business propo-
sition-to stay. Then another idea
struck her.
Mr.. Statlander," she began, give
felt you weren't very comfortable in
that little room, since we've had
this terrible heat wave. Wouldn't
you like to move over to the nursery
for tonight?
Its on. the water side and does
have little more air. I think the
ceilings perfectly safe. Of course,
there's the big room but II don't
suppose you'd care for that. The
one Mr.. Peabody had"
"On the contrary" He jumped
eagerly at her suggestion. I'D have
no objection at all to sleeping in the
other room. 1t is very pleasant
large-cool. If this heat con-
tinues-"
1T WILL" interrupted Linda
darkly.
In that case I will take advan-
tage of your offer-and thank you
very much"
NTIPPING q .fulI-blown rose care
I lessly, she accidentally let it
drop, and with no very good grace
he stopped to retrieve it. Linda
studied his broad back speculatively.
Thank you'll" She gave him her
most enchanting smile as he rose.
Il didn't want to lose that beauty.
Are you fond Of flowers, Mr.. Stat
lander?"
mot at ALL" answered her reluc-
tant helper uncompromisingly. "a
garden is altogether too waSteful of
time and energy-and money"
He nodded in the direction of a
denim clad figure working along
the border toward the adjoining
property THAT man, for instance.
Do you pay him to spend his entire
time puttering around this placer"
"Heavens!" thought Linda, the
questions have begun again!' But
she answered demurely, That's
Willum-our community gardener.
He works for ne part Of every day
when he remembers to come.
But if we could afford it, I'd GER
tainly have a full-time man. I could
keep him busy"
BUSY" Mr.. Statlander suddenly
slapped at the back of his neck
where a mosquito had lodged. "a
full-grown man-busy-every dayl"
His annoyance with the mosquito
added unusual severity to his tone.
How many servants did you say
you need to keep up this place, Mrs.
Averill?"
Il didn't say, that I remember"
answered Linda meekly. But I
have two maids all the time and a
nurse for the baby-and a woman
who comes in to help when we need
her-I send the laundry out-and
a part time gardener"
81 see. And what"
The next question was unexpect-
edly interrupted. From the window
above them appeared a tousled
head and Shaughnessey, evidently
just aroused, blandly greeted his
hostess.
Good mornin' to you, Mrs. Aver
i'll. And would you be having a
good opportunity for a bright
stable-boy, or likely a chauffeur,
and what would be the wages of the
Same?"
Linda's uncomfortable peal of
laughter was checked quickly. Look
ing toward the house she saw her
husband reckoning them back.
BE right there! Breakfasts
ready, Mr.. Statlander. I'll carry the
basket back. Thanks ever so much
for holding it for me. Did you get
your hands dirty? Do you want to
wash them down here?"
mo, thank you. :" But Stat
lander clenched his fists at the sug-