The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1933-06-10
CHAPTER FORTY SIX

In spite of Monies vague puzzle
ment and the feeling Of excitement
In the air. she was amused. She
wanted desperately to laugh Her
mouth quirked at the corners.
Kay came in with a tray on
which there we're three glasses and
almost dropped them. Why,
Charlesl she exclaimed. Where
did you come from? Through the
window?
He grinned at her. his old self
for an instant. NO, they let me
in Why?'
Il don't know Just didn't hear
your soft step. Can I give you
some Of this grape juice? Mothers
best
They stood chatting each other,
end Mackenzie said in a low voice
to Monnie, I'd like to see you alone.
Nav r.
She was confused. Il don't know
how viii you stay bit and see?"
The party developed into a four
some Kay, after a struggle with
herself to keep down hysterical
laughter, suggested bridge and
Charles helped her set up the
table.
TN spite Of this. the tension grew.
i The little room was electric
with it,
As Mackenzie's obvious impotence
mounted the younger man grew
more suaVe, more deferential He
called the older man sir with an
air of one paying tribute MOnnie bit
her lip and once, catching his eye,
shook her head ever so slightly in
reproof The look he gave her was
one Of purest mischief His inten-
ton was unmistakable
Whatever became Of that beauti-
ful young woman I met with you
at Cannes last March?" Mackenzie
inquired abruptly. in a pause dur
ing which he was dummy.
Charles, laying down his cards,
stared across at him. Whom dyou
mean?"
With elaboration the other Sc
lected and lighted a cigaret from
the case extended
She was an American, I believe.
Yes, I'm sure of it, Married to an
old Roman title The Contessa di-
something or other. Wonderful red
hair and black eyes. Devastating
combination"
Charles had gone white. In
stinctively Monnie knew this was
the woman Dr. Waterman had re-
ferred to-the one who, directly or
indirectly, had been responsible for
Charles breakdown.
Did Mackenzie know? If so it was
a direct challenge. She held her
breath waiting for Charles reply.
The Countessa di Fraioli,"
Charles was saying coolly.
Exquisite creature" sighed Mac
kenzie, squirting through the smoke.
Broke a number of hearts, I under
stand"
II believe So" Charles voice
sounded merely bored. Monnie
dared not look at him, was pre-
tending to be absorbed in the cards
she held.
Are we playing bridge or are we?"
Kay's impudence brought them all
back, and the game went on. The
tension had not been loosed, but the
wires on which all of them seemed,
this night, to be strung, quivered
little.
TT was 10 o'clock. Now it was II.
L Charles Eustace. a CLEAN of
diabolical amusement in his eyes,
cody stayed on. AT last, Mackenzie
rose.
Monica, this has been delight
full but 1 must be getting on"
She went with him to the door.
Most unfortunate" he said in
q lower tone. L shall have to rush
the engagement tomorrow will
not keep. But when can I see you
again?' Then his voice altered.
He no longer was the annoyed
king of finance, irritated at some
delay, but the eager sutton.
Monica, you know what l want
to ask you Have you changed
your mind about marrying me? I
didn't want to rush you, after that
unfortunate affair in the autumn.
But nOw-well. we can make a fresh
start, both of us. What do you
say?"
I'll write to you she prom
Used. The car, cleaning and hooded
in chromium, painted under the
street light He could not hnger.
He had to be satisfied with that
But his smile was confident. He
took her slim hand Huskily he
said, You're the loveliest thing
all a man could desire. I promise
you YOU won't regret it,"
For an instant, his lips brushed
hers. the mereSt, fleeing contact.
III telephone you from Chicago
on Thursday" he said Dent
bother TO write-and don't diSap-
point me-"
Mrs. ODare came fluttering into
the hall to make her farewells.
NldN htllA4G AildAAllCI WIFI ll6I Was
perfect.
Monica closing the door in the
visitors wake. could hear the rise
and fall of Charles voice, and Rays
ready laughter.
Suddenly she was angry with
Charles. How dare he behave so
badly? That very day he had in
suited her past bearing. and then he
had turned up, bold as could be, to
ruin her evening What did he
mean by such behavior?
Aren't you going back in, lovey?"
This from her mother.
Il think not I'm tired. III 60
straight to bed"
u
MRS. ODARE ran her finger over
WI the newell post. tracing some
imagined dust. He seems very
nice
Mr.. Mackenzie? oh. he is" But
fbara u-ac M ont l1,tSi Sf,1 in her