The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1935-08-02
now GO on WITH THE STORY
CHAPTER, TwENTY-THREE

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again. starting it down the long hill
road which terminated at the Lone
Tree Tavern.
1T was much more important
than I dreamed" he said seriously,
his eyes on the road.
And if I'd known it would have
such a SOLDERING effect on you" 10
told him, I'd never have per-
mitted it."
He turned to her slowly, smiling
in spite of himself. I'VE shouldn't
have done that, Jo.'
"We?" exclaimed 10 in mock con-
Germ. 1T was entirely your idea"
You're right. And I'm sorry"
"And if you're sorry, I'm insulted,"
10 said.
"Insulted?"
10 nodded, her eyes twinkling with
amusement. "Of course. Isn't it
insulting for man to kiss a girl
and then say that he's sorry he
did it?"
He did not answer until they we're
abreast of the Lone Tree Tavern.
But when he had stopped the car
before the rustic dining place, he
turned to 10 and said:
Somehow 1 lost my sense of
humor with that kiss, 10. lists
a bad sign when a man loses his
sense of humor with a girl. I don't
want to be like Fragonet, and yet"
" rfr.r n f1rlNF1 RI
dangerous young woman, 10 Darien.
1 think you don't realize yourself
how dangerous you are. Perhaps
that's what led to the Fragonet
business. I'm afraid that if some
man doesn't tie you down very soon
you're likely to be in trouble a great
deal"
COMETHING warned 10 not to
- meet him on this serious and
insecure ground, and she asked
lightly, rs that why you gave Bret
Paul job at Crest Lake? Was it
because you thought he might tie
me down an6 keep me out of trou-
ble?"
She was amused at his annoy
ance. well I'll have to admit
that I was Influenced by what
Babs told me. She said you and
young Paul were in love and had
planned the summer together But,
damn it, Jo-somehow 1 don't fancy
myself in the role of Dan Cupid
now"
NO =. you hardly look the part. :"
MarSh's annoyance gave way in a
sudden burst of laughter. Perhaps
it's because I'm such a rotten arch
er, and disapprove of nudism!"
10 joined his laughter, relieved
that they were in safe channels
again. She wondered if she could
have saved herself all the trouble
with Fragonet had she refused 20
take him seriously. She glanced at
the UNCOVERED Lone Tree Tavern.
I've a bunch the food is good
here" she said.
Marsh jumped from the roadster
and assisted 10 to the ground. 1T
.
at Crest Lake Inn!"
The owners of the isolated tavern
were a rotund pair, man and wife
for all of 80 years, who had built
the huge structure because this
wood was where they wanted to
spend their declining years. The
meals they served to travellers and
hunters, and the occasional rooms
they rented, were only incidental
to their lives-but nevertheless they
were born host and hostess.
The hospitality and cooking of the
Bowens was legendary in that part
of the state.
They greeted 10 and Marsh effu-
Sively and directed them to a huge
hearth fire while dinner was pre-
pared.
we don't order here" Marsh
told 10. It'll be either chicken or
steak-and I promise you that it'll
be good. whichever it is"
10 sank into a chair before the
rearing flames. Il hope it's
chicken :"
IT was, but that was not all. There
Il were creamy mashed potatoes,
the tendereSt of new peas. There
was a plate of hot biscuits which
Mrs. Bowen kept heaped-ano a
bowl of honey. There was a huge
pitcher of cold milk, and, as old
man Bowen said, there was more
where that came from" When 10
and Marsh had literally stuffed
themselves with fried chicken and
the 'fixings" Mrs. Bowen brought
in coffee with great square crackers
and plain unpretentiouS American
cheese.
"Oh =" 10 exclaimed. Il don't
know when I've so enjoyed food.
Mrs. Bowen, it was all beyond
words"
Marsh laughed. Mrs. Bowen has
heard that 50 often she doesn't even
blush with pleasure any more"
That may be. Douglas Marsh. I"
the old woman told him. Il amt
D4ASA4CQ lOM 4OI ~ NGdIS Vi 81,
being married and all-but that
don't mean / don't like to hear
compliments On my cooking" She
turned to 10. And when you get
married-aS you certainly will. be-
ing as pretty as you are-youn
want TO hear compliments on your
cooking. too"
Having delivered herself Of this
statement. Mrs. Bowen returned her
attention TO Marsh long enough to
warn, And that's something you
want to remember, Douglas Marsh!'
With that she waddled back into the
kitchen, chuckling to herself.
When she had gone, Marsh
grinned at 10. I've never been here
with girl before. so Mamma Bowen
naturally takes it for granted that
you're the future Mrs. Marsh"
Still embarrassed by the old wom-
ans assurance, 10 laughed. well,
I'm conplimented to be the first