The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1933-10-17


from the fower-decked table where
the group was seated. In spite of
her brave resolution she found that
watching them hurt too much.
jim had begun drinking already
teasing Joan because she refused
the highball he mixed for her But
it was only teasing. He did not
urge her to accept the drink.
THEY had circled the room twice
Il during the second dance when
Bob cut in. With her heart beat
ing furiously. Joan met Bob's eyes
coolly, proudly.
We'll, how are you, Joan?"
She managed her brightest smile.
Splendid"
so you are here with the in
comparable JIM"
Eyes" said Joan, Il am"
do you really like that felloW?"
"Of course I like him" Joan an
swered, hoping her voice seemed
sincere. L like him tremendously"
In that case" Bob said, perhaps
it would be better not to tell you
what 1 think of him"
1T would certainly be better"
Joan agreed. She was silent after
that, afraid to trust her voice,
Voices have a way Of betraying one.
Hers might have told Bob so much
that she must keep hidden from
him if she were to cling to the last
bit of pride left to her.
The music stopped and Joan and
Bob moved to her table, staring
coolly at each other, smiling po-
litely into each others eyes.
Another dance. A waltz this
time. 1t wes exciting. sweet. Joan
was shaken to find that she could
enjoy the dance so in spite of the
pain and humiliation she had
known. Bobs face was grim,
Joans a calm mask. A faint smile
curved her lips.
At the end of the third dance
Jim was still missing. Joan said
stifly, I'm terribly sorry. You
must be waiting to return to your
friends. Don't you think you should
take me to my table and join
them?"
Bob answered, Don't be a fool,
JOAN" He added, There's your
friend now-wobbly as usual. If
you like I'll drive you home"
mo thanks" Joan told him.
1T was nice of you to play res
cuer." She gave him a wan little
smile. Bob stared at her, unsmil-
ing. Then, with curt nod to
Jim, he walked away.
Jim's infamed eyes pied for
lenity. Joan, I'm a souse. Go
ahead and say it! I forgot you,
Joan-ran into some fellows"
Let's start now and quarrel
afterwards" Joan said.
Guess we'd BETTER" Jim said
quickly. We'll take a taxi"
But Joan didn't quarrel. She
sat in one corner of the cab while
Jim, slumped in the other side,
explained, growing voluable under
the mellow influence of liquor.
About some fellows he had gone
to school with. They had mot
to, Drink while We may. Who
knows if in the next world thereIl
be taverns?" Explaining, explain
ing.
WTHILE Joan was dancing in the
w bright and beautiful italian
room, Pat was in vastly different
surroundings. Slightly uneasy,
ashamed, yet curious, she looked
about and found the general APP
pearance of the interior of the road
house less disturbing than she had
imagined. Shaded colored lights on
the walls mirror panels
flowers on the tables.
But closer inspection Of the men
and women about those tables was
alarming. Eyes we're red-lined or
coldly hard. Each table had its
supply of bottles and glasses.
Sometimes a. mans arm was
thrown Familiarity about his femin-
inc companion. Some Of them were
sprawling in their chairs, others
leaning on the tables. All Of them
looked unkempt, mannerless. Their
laughter was shrill and unpleasant.
Jerry produced a flask from
pocket. Whatn you have?" he
asked.
Nothing for me-" Then, as Pat
met his dark gaze, well, a small
highban."
Jerry ordered ice, ginger ale and
lemons.
I'm really not drinking much"
Pat thought. I'm just slipping"
Jerry had refilled her glass.
once during dinner he leaned for
ward to whisper, Nov, you're be-
ing a real sport. I'm proud of you,
Pat. You're wonderful, simply
wonderful"
Pat giggled. You're drunk"
You're a fine one to be talking"
Jerry told her. Take a look at
yourself in the mirrorl"
Pat turned and stared at the
AAAAA VI NpPOo1lC. oAle VI uSIleO ONE
hand over her eyes, peoring hard
at the blurred image shifting before
her eyes-the queer-looking blond
girl in a green dress. She strained
her eyes. but the features re-
NAMED indiStinct.
Il want to go home" she said,
her voice trembling.
Lii girl wants to go home"
Knocked Jerry. Here, we'll have
some black coffee. Make you feel
better"
Pat drank the coffee but her
head still ached. The bright lights
hurt her eyes and the loud music
annoyed her. 1t was just then
that she saw Jerry's eager gaze and,