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


fairly glowering. He had the air
OF man determined, at all costs.
TO stand his ground, and outstay
ell corners.
In spite OF Monnie's 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,
Charles" she exclaimed. Where
did you come from? Through the
window?
He grinned at her, his old self
4 for an instant. No, they let me
In Why?"
q Z don't know. Just didn't hear
ayour soft step. Can l give you
some of this grape juice? Mothers
best
q They stood chatting each other,
! and Mackenzie said in a low voice
TO Monnie, I'd like to see you alone.
May ~"
She was confused. Il don't know
how viii you stay bit and see?"
The party developed into a four
some. Kay, after 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 1t.
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-
full 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-I
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 l 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 a
little.
TT was 10 o'clock. Now it was IL
Il Charles Eustace, gleam of |
diabolical amusement in his eyes,
cody stayed on. At last, Mackenzie
rose.
Monica, this has been delight |
full, but I must be getting on"
She went with him to the door
Most unfortunate, he said in
lower tone. Il shall have to rush |
the engagement tomorrow will |
not keep. But when can 1 see you
again?' Then his voice altered.
He no longer was the annoyed |
king of finance. irritated at some |
uSldN, OuJ tIlt eager SulJOI,
Monica, you know what I want |
to ask you. Have you changed |
your mind about marrying me? l !
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 linger |
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. l promise |
you you won't regret 1t"
For an instant, his lips brushed |
hers. the merest, fleeing contact
I'll telephone you from Chicago |
on Thursday" he said. Don't |
bother to write-and don't diSap- !
point me-"
Mrs. O'Dare came f1uttering into
the hall to make her farewells
Macken7ies manner with her was
perfect.
Monica closing the door in the |
visitors wake, could hear the rise |
and fall of Charles voice, and Kay's !
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. I'll go |
straight to bed"
MRS. O'DARE ran her finger over
lXE tho r,nura1 yN0ef tro rsy,u gonna /