The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1933-05-10

some decision about our-our af-
fairs. There's a good deal Of talk
around town"
THE young man interrupted her,
l. frowning deeply.
About what?"
Monnie tucked in vagrant curl
Her expression was still. sweetly un-
troubled.
About you and Sandra," she said
''They all say you're going to marry
her"
She put up her hand to ward of
Dams torrent of explanation.
Il don't know how true it is and
honestly, Dan. don't care" She
paused to let that sink in.
But what I wanted to say was-1
completely release you from the
the agreement we had last autumn
I want you to feel perfectly free to
go ahead, to do as you like. After
ALL" said Monnie in dulcet tones.
I'VE were pretty much kids last
year. Perhaps we've grown up, both
of us. Perhaps we're seeing things
in their true light"
Il don't know what you mean by
that" Dan muttered sullenly.
1T wasn't really an engagement
anyway" Monnie pursued earnest
ly. I'VE just-well, sort of pledged
ourselves to each other in boy
and girl way. You gave me this, -
and her curling fingers opened to
disclose a seal ring.
Mind you" she went on softly,
I'm not saying it wasn't really
awfully sweet and precious. I was
thrilled over it. But I've come to
realize just as you have, Dan dear,
that we're not exactly suited to each
other"
He broke in. "Who says we're
not?"
She gave her slender shoulders a
tiny shrug. Your people-and
mine"
Il thought your mother liked me, y
Dan began, injured.
"She does" Monnie told him
quickly. "She thinks you're a
splendid boy-that you have wonder
full possibilities. But what mother
says is this, she wants me to have
the best.
"She doesn't like to think I'd be
Snubbed and looked down upon just
because we happen to have lost our
money. Mother feels we can hold
up our heads with the best of them
Shes not willing to let me in fol-
unpleasant situations. After all, Dan
I'm not being critical, but you know
your family hasn't been particularly
nice to me-"
LIE had brought the car to {
Il Il standstill now in a little grove
of oaks. Dinner was forgotten il
the heat Of the discussion. Monnit
never had looked prettier than a.
this moment, her face colorec
delicately with excitement, heI
amber eyes dark with feeling.
Il know they haven't. Darn 'em!'
Dan muttered vengefully. Pack o
snobS."
He squared about, facing her,
breathing in her nearness anC
fragrance. His finely chiseled face
with its Celtic eyes under the heav,
browS, was brought very close Il
hers.
What you're trying to tell me,
Dan said soberly, steadily, lis tina
you've changed your mind. I don
deny that had rather-well, cooled
off-when L got back in June
Mother worked on me a lot, said
owed big marriage to the family
All that kind of thing.
Then you were pretty snappisl
and standoffiSh every time I saw
you. I thought" said Dan slangily
what the deuce? But now"
He stared down at her, and tn
girl had to grip herself to keep from
trembling at the intensity of tina
gaze, Nov, I'm not so sure I wan
to call it a day. See? I'm not s.
sure some other chap hasn't bee1
muScling in. What's happened
Monnie? Is there somebody else?
She f1ecked her lashes downward
deliberately before choosing word
to answer him.
what makes you think that?"
Those strong brown hands grippet
her slender ones. She smelt TIL
fragrance of cigarets and shaving
soap and fresh linen. Blue eye
stared into dark ones for one lonl
moment.
Dan Cardigan, let me co." Mon
ME commanded. you've n
right"
Haven't, eh?" growled her capto
masterfully. you're my girl. Your
going to tell me here and nov
what's changed you, or I'll know tn
reason why!"
Under her struggle for compo
sure Monnie was conscious of ;
deep and secret flash Of triumph
Things seemed to be working GU
her way, after all.