The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1933-07-05
BARGAIN IL RNDE
b KATHARINE HAmAhDTAnok NJ

entirely one Of a business nature.
Will you keep that in mind,
please?"
YES"
81 know, Miss Stafford-I have
made a point of learning that
your credit is almost exhausted and
that your fathers business was on
the verge Of collapse before this
accident"
TTER rounded chin went up with
Il l. a little jerk. He saw this and
vent on swiftly smoothly
"I know and you know that Miss
Ella Sections will was unfair to your
father and your relatives, the
Thropes"
Eyes, but I don't blame you"
THAT doesn't matter. What you
and I feel about blame-or any,
thing-can't matter in this affair
we must discuss. It's entirely a
cold blooded, emotionless affair
which has to do with the righting
of that unjust will.
l want to give back to the Thropes
the money they should have had
and need. I want to give your
father the money that will help him
in his chance to get well. I shall
never touch a cent of the money
left by Miss Sexton Unless you help
me it will go to charities in no par
ticular need of it. The money
really belongs to the Thropes and
your father"
She said nothing.
You can help me right tragic
wrong" Barrett went on.
"How?"
by marrying me-" he said slow
ly.
She lost color and he went on
hastily
I'm asking you to live in my
house as my guest for one year. In
that way, can turn over to you
and the Thropes the money that is
morally, if not legally, yours and
theirs. It's the only way to rectify
the mistake of your aunt who I'M
fortunately was sound of mind, if
not of heart, when she made her
will"
But why for a year2" Elinor
asked brokenly. She was oddly
dizzy and disconnected.
Because" he answered, "a year
will quiet any idle talk there may
be. I don't want any one to know
the reason for our marriage. The
world would misunderstood
1t might possibly see me as a hero
instead of man who merely hap
pens to be honest enough not to
want to rob others.
LIE paused. He saw her draw
l. L deep breath. She looked re-
markedly like little girl who is
baked at her lessons.
She whispered, 81 don't know"
She held a finger against her lips,
and he noticed that her hand was
trembling. For a fleeting space,
and against his reason, the old ten
dernesS for her returned.
All I'm asking" he said, lis that
for year you will, in public, con-
duct yourself as my wife. You will
have to forego, for the time, the
admiration to which you have been
accustomed"
She smiled little at that, but he
did not understand her smile.
And in turn" he continued more
weightily, Il give you My word
that I will never raise my hand to
touch you except before others. We
may have to masquerade a little
before others. You can have my
word that you will be safe.
He saw her moisten her lips,
hesitate.
Benson appeared in the broad
doorway. It's that Mr.. Streeter
again, Miss Stafford he said
alphabetically. He pushed past
me and refuses to go. He says he
must see you. He won't wait"
"A collector" Barrett asked.
Elinor nodded and his gaze fol-
lowed a swallow on the rounded,
soft column of her throat. For a
moment she closed her eyes.
I'll deal with him." said Bar
rett as small, rotund man APP
peared in the door.
(TO Be Continued