The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1933-10-16
dozqotf~, Me;g e
By MAa Rsmouo 4 S,., ..u 81. 4~~.
How have you been. Joan?"

Fine. How have you been?"
"Al right. Busy. I'll be buster
now that Dad is here" So the dis
tinguished, elderly man was his
father.
It's nice for you TO have your
father with you"
Yes, it's great. But he's
hard taskmaster. Believes in
keeping ererlastingly at it."
Then, irrelevantly. There's smut
on your cheek, Joan"
Joan brought out her vanity
case and carefully wiped off the
little dark smudge. adding an ex-
ira touch Of powder to her nose.
Bob was smiling little.
Chin high, unhappy eyes turned
from him, Joan's slim, tanned
hand moved toward the gears.
"Goodby. Glad I saw you"
"Good-by, Bob"
He closed the car door. 1t was
like period, concluding the brief
conversation.
loan backed the shabby old car
- into the street, conscious of
every rattle, and turned its nose
toward Union, glad to become
part Of moving traffic.
She was glad to put distance be-
tween her and the place that had
witnessed her humiliation. She
drove blindly, almost without seeing
the lights of cars that flashed past
or hearing the familiar creaks and
groans of the 4-year-old car.
1t wasn't fair to have been caught
like that when she was looking her
worst, tired, wearing wintry frock,
her hair slipping carelessly out from
under the dark beret.
1t wasn't fair for Barbara to have
been with Bob, a picture of spring
freshness and wearing his flowers.
Evidently they were going to the
Carlton for dinner. A family affair
Bob and Barbara and his father.
Joan was on the familiar old
street now, grown dear through
long association. A moment later.
she was out Of the car and flying up
the walk. Once inside the gloomy
hall, she leaned against the door,
fighting tears, getting command of
herself before entering the living
room.
The door opened and Mrs. War
ing came into the hall. Joan.
dear. Is that you? I thought I
heard some one come in" Her
hands moved over the wall. The
light switch clicked.
Joan, is anything wrong?"
I'm just little tired, Mother"
"You shouldn't have gone down
town. You drive yourself so, Joan.
Gracious, your hands are like ice!
1t is turning colder, isn't it? Darl-
ing, come in to the fire. I've Just
built it up. Did you see any one
you know"
Nobody especially"
Pats in, dressing to go out
again"
It called for her, but she had left
the office"
Mrs. Wnring bent to the fire,
stirring it with the old brass poker.
With her head back against the
cushioned chair, eyes closed, Joan
heard the affectionate voice ram
bling on. She felt the warmth of
the fire gratefully.
A FTER a while words pricked
IA through her detachment.
I'm worried about Pat" he1
mother was saying. Il didn't men
ton it before because you seemed
so troubled yourself, dear. But Pats
not happy"
mot happy?" Joan's eyes flew
open. why, mother, hadn't no
ticed"
Joan, it's these parties she goes
to with Jerry. There's-drinking!"
well. lots of girls take cocktails"
Joan said slowly. I'm sure Pat will
always be sensible"
mo. dear. she isn't sensiblel Once
while you were away she had to
stay away from work. Oh, Joan, 1t
was terrible!"
Pat losing her head-drinking too
much? Oh, that was unthinkable !
Joan thought that she must have a
talk with Pat.
She started upstairs, then quick
ened her steps as she heard angry
voices. The scene that followed
was to live in Joan's membory.
She heard Bills furious voice and
saw Pat. her face flushed above
the green dress, sWaying little like
a flower bending under a rough
wind.
You can abuse, me all you like,
Bill. I'll do as please and there's
nothing you can do about it!'
"Pat!" pleaded Joan.
Don't you start, Joan. I'm no
child, I'm IS years old"
"Eighteen!"