The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1934-12-21

ing her bronze hair absently, her
mirror. They were Swallowed and
eyes met the eyes Of the girl in the
perplexed.
If Peter realized his marriage had
been a great mistake, why wasn't he
honest about it? Surely he knew
she would release him if he wanted
to be free.
Perhaps he planned to tell her
soon. Even now he and Valeria
we're probably discussing things,
wondering how Peter could make it
more plain that his make-believe
marriage had brought him nothing
but regret and that he wanted to
dissolve it.
Rubbing on cold cream, AIMS fin
ger touched her eyelashes. They
were wet. Stupid to be crying be-
cause she had brought nothing but
regret to Peter. She wiped off the
cream hastily, pushed the cold
cream jar aside. She got into bed
and switched off the light.
Just then she heard Peters key
in the outside door. He was back
this early. Strange.
XTALERIA had said in a voice
v that sounded desperately anX-
ious, Peter, you must come. At
once. It's about-about that check
I gave you day before yesterday"
What about it?"
Il can't discuss it over the phone.
Aunt Louise might hear. Peter, you
must come"
Peter thought he understood. Va
leria had overdrawn. Evidently she
had discovered it and realized the
check would be turned down.
If that were the case he supposed
he must drive over and reassure her.
The check had been banked earlier
in the day.
III be right over" he said. He
went to AIMS room, planning to ex-
plain that Valeria was in some diff
ficulty. But when he opened the
door AIMS eyes had met his, I'M
smiling. Then she had f1ared out
at him and that had made him
angry.
Naturally Ann did not know how
historical Valeria could become.
Peter had suspected that if he de-
layed going, the phone might con-
tinue ringing until he did go over
and quiet her fears.
He reasoned that Valera was
afraid to let her aunt know she was
running so close to the financial
edge.
Valeria kept him waiting Is min
utes. When she appeared she was
wearing a pair of red velvet loung-
ing pajamaS. Her golden hair which
she usually wore close to her head
in sleek, shining waves was bose
in careless fluffy bob, making her
look like a schoolgirl. She smiled
at him radiantly.
Peter, you darling! I can always
count on you"
Peter stared. He had expected to
see her upset, perhaps crying. but
there was no indication Of hysteria
or nervousness.
"Cigaret?"
NO, thanks" Peter said shortly.
What did you want to tell me
about the check and why couldn't
you tell me over the telephone?"
I'm horribly embarrassed. And
then Aunt Louise might have been
shopping around. 1 feel terrible
asking you
You're overdrawn.
Gracious. no. I'm not quite that
low. It's this way Amt Louise
didn't tell me until /, came home
that there were some heavy obhga-
tons she must meet this month. The
truth is. Peter, it would be so much
more convenient to pay you next
month"
Why in the world didn't you say
so? You knew you could pay me
whenever you please"
That's terribly sweet of you. but
the check has gone through now"
Valera reminded him.
DETER frowned. So it had. We'll,
l. that's easily remedied," he
said after a moment. He took his
checkbook and fountain pen from
his pocket. made out a check and
handed it to her.
Valera smiled. Thank you
worlds This will ease Aunt LouiSe's
mind. I'll send a new check next
month"
ANY time that it's convenient for
you"
She followed him to the door
Must you go, Peter? I really get
horribly lonely these days" Her