The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1933-10-06
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didn't reach her eyes. Funny Tor
Pat 10 be talking TO her about los
ing her head.
I'd hate to see anybody making
a fool Of you" Pat continued. Il
could have told you before. He was
the man I saw with Barbara at the
Book Shelf. I didn't tell you be-
cause I hated TO spoil the dinner
| for you after you had worked SO
hard. I hope you'll drop him like
a ton Of bricks if he's started two
timing"
I'm going upstairs" Joan said.
Don't worry, Pat. My hearts in
| tactt"
| CHE wanted to be alone. Upstairs
- in the hallway there was win
dow. Joan paused there, staring at
the darkness outside.
If Bob had been casual or indif-
/ ferent, it wouldn't have occurred TO
her to believe he was beginning to
care. But he hadn't been casual
He had seemed eager to be with her.
He had been tender and protec-
tive-not possessive. The way he
1 looked at her, the way his deep
voice dWelt on her name. Well, an
other girl was probably thinking the
same things and coming to the
same conclusion. Bob had preferred
| to be with Barbara evidently and
had broken a date to go there. The
chief engineerl
Il won't be like this Joan de-
termined bravely. I've always de-
spised suspicious, catty people. III
just forget him!"
But there was no lifting Of the
shadow in her eyes. She opened
the door to Benny's room. Benny,
you've hardly touched your dinner!"
she exclaimed.
Didn't have much appetite to-
night"
Joan stood looking down at him.
Her heart ached. How thin he was,
and yet how dear and uncomplain-
ing!
Joan, that Mr.. Weston who was
here last night is regular fellow,
isn't he? liked him"
yes" She stopped and patted
the thin hand. Tomorrow you're
going to the clinic again and be
thumped and pummeled." She
lifted a pillow and shook it before
slipping it under her brothers head.
Joan, Mr.. Weston likes you lot,
doesn't hep"
Benny" Joan broke in breath
lessly. you romancer! 1 barely
know him"
She sat down beside the bed and
began reading, The book related
the adventures of Richard, mod
ern Lon-heart, whose deeds fur
nished a thrilling saga.
Once when dangers were piling
I'D for the valiant Richard she
stumbled over the words.
why, JOAN" Benny exclaimed.
You're crying. Richard won't die.
You don't think they would drop
a hero right in the beginning, do
you?"
Yes, you would drop hero right
in the beginning unless you wanted
to suffer terribly.
You look tired" Benny said.
There are black smudges under
your eyes"
TINE black SmudgeS were still
Il there in the morning. But they
were not there an hour after break
fast. 1t is wonderful what magic
there can be in telephone call.
I'm afraid 1 called you too early"
Bob's deep voice came over the wire.
But 1 couldn't wait"
He couldn't wait. Happiness came
flooding back.
Il was wondering if you couldn't
arrange to have lunch with me to-
day. And, Joan, I want to explain
about last night
1T doesn't matter"
"All right, go on being soft
boiled egg!" came Pats vehement
whisper.
1T was a party girl know had
planned. She had been trying to get
me all day and counted me in any
way. 1t would have upset things if
1 had dropped out at that hour. I
was sure you would understand"
He knew she would understand!
She had been silly.
About lunch?"
You're absolutely a sap if you
don't show some spirit" from Pat.
I'm terribly sorry, Bob, but I'll be
teaching until noon and III be busy
this afternoon, too"
We'll, all right. It's going to be
a long day for me. But I guess I'll
find plenty to do at the plant His
voice sounded cheerful He had no
idea that he was being punished,
Joan decided.
Shall I drop around about
7?'
Fine" said Joan.
Pat stood in the doorway, her coat
and hat on. You're letting him
come tonight?" she asked scornfully.
Yes" said Joan radiantly, Z
am"
You don't know the first thing
about handling men," Pat said.
Not the first thingl Imagine let
ting him off as easily as that"
/ TO Be COntinued)
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