The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1933-10-30
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By MR R4moO &,ss9s ...~~~~

! shutting out every one. Even Pat.
And Barney, too.
Barney had seemed troubled and
preoccupied lately. He had ceased
TO question her about the date for
their wedding. Perhaps he had been
hurt by her lack Of enthusiasm.
Pat said in a quiet voice; Joan,
when are you and Barney going to
be married."
Joan's heart humping, her mind
veering frantically away from the
decision again. II don't know.
Why?"
And then Pats sober voice. well,
I think you ought to set definite
date"
So Pat had noticed that Barney
was troubled. After long moment
Joan said slowly, Yes, I guess we
should. Well make it soon, Pat.
And announce it later. I don't want
a lot Of fuss and excitement. You
know how popular Barney is. Well
just walk off some day and be mar
ried."
Pat was laughing queerly. Il was
just thinking" she said, that my
last chance has gone to be maid
of honor and walk down the aisle
with you-and Barney"
Lying in the darkness, Joan bat
tied with herself and won. She
would put aside the dream existence
in which only Bob was real.
She would think of practical
things-home, companionship, pro-
lection.
I'm going shopping this after
noon," she told Pat at noon next
day. ASK Barney to let you off
early. I want you to come with
me-"
You want me to help!"
"Of course, Pat. Don't you want
tor"
II only meant I'd be selecting
things I like, joan"
THEY spent the early part Of the
l. afternoon buying lingerie
lovely lacy, frilly things, piled in
lavish heaps on the counter before
them. The saleswoman lifted a
negligee from a hanger.
This is one of the prettiest we
have" she said. 1t was an ex-
quisite shade of blue artfully cut
with lines that were demure, yet
NTH q 40,,oI, of eoy1bict;oa+io,, Cot
creamy lace added richness to the
satin.
Like it. PATTI" asked Joan.
tits a dream"
The saleSwoman held the negligee
up against Pats shoulders. "It
makes your blue eyes bluer," she
smiled. This shade would not be
quite so good for you" she said to
Joan, because your eyes are dark
err"
But it's for Joan!" exclaimed Pat.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you
we're" the saleswoman broke off
in confusion. Joan smiled. The
woman thought Pat was selecting
her own trousseau. No wonder!
Joan knew that her own expression
was far from bride-like.
I'll take it" Joan said.
But Joan!" Pat protested. "It
isn't your color"
1T will do well enough" Joan
said.
Well" said Pat, when it comes
to clothes, you hold the record for
enthusiasm.
1t was that way with everything.
Whatever Pat admired Joan pur-
chased. Anyone would think we
were buying my trousseau," Pat said
on the way home.
A number of packages had ar
rived before they reached the apart
ment and were neatly stacked on
the floor of the living room, mute
evidence of the busy afternoon.
Joan gathered them up and carried
them into the bedroom, dropping
them on the window seat.
Aren't you going to unwrap
them?"
Not tonight" said Joan.
y
DAT thought Joan looked tired.
l. and Joan, meeting Pats Won
derlng eyes, thought her sister
looked weary. 1t really was much
too soon after Pats illness for her
to be on her feet all afternoon.
III finish the shopping tomor-
row" Joan said. I'm afraid this
afternoon was too much for you.
There's not much more to get. I'll
need another evening dress and a
/ travelling outfit"
oh" said Pat. You'll be going
away?"
of course" said Joan, smiling.
Barney hasn't said anything about
it recently, but he used to be talking
all the time about the cruise we
were to take. Some place in the
tropics. It's a cruise he thinks is
/ Just perfect"
oh" said Pat. Her voice held a
hollow note.