The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1935-12-07
CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER SEVEN
CARAH, her leathery black face
~ wearing a doubtful expression,
brought the message.
Your grandmother wants to see
you, Miss Dana. In her room.
Dunno what OF Miss wants, but
spec it's somethin' upsettin'. 1 kin
mos gen ally tell by de look in her
eye"
Nancy glanced up. 1T wouldn't
surprise me if Sarah's bunch isn't
a good one" she commented. "Es-
pecially since she wants you to
come to her room"
Both girls were on the porch,
Nancy swinging lazily in the worn
hammock, Dana sitting nearby.
What difference does the room
make?" Dana asked curiously.
Its an awe-inspiring place-that
room," Nancy informed her. wait
until you see it. Furnished with
antiques that took a prize at an
exposition once in the old days
when the family treasury over
flowed. Grandmother has hung on
to them. I've an idea she feels like
queen restored to her throne when
she closes the door of that room
behind her. All the drab realities
of life are shut out. It's an audi
ence you're being granted. Wait
and see!"
Ridiculous" Dana thought, max
ing her way up the stairs. She
knocked hesitatingly. the picture
Nancy had evoked in her mind.
When her grandmothers Come
in," admitted her, Dana stood for
a moment startled by the accuracy
of Nancy description.
Seated, in a high backed straight
chair, her head raised imperiously
Grandmother Cameron did give the
impression of royalty comforting IA
vors. "Sit down, please, Dana" she
said.
MANA TOOK a seat, glanclng about
~ the large bedroom. filled with
evidences of past magnificence. The
massive bed was deliberately inlaid
and canopied in faded blue damask
The dresser and wardrobe were of
the same design. A stately desk
was adorned with silver appoint
ments-a silver bound memoran-
dunn book pen holder, ver-topped
inkwell. The chaise lounge, up
holstered in blue, was covered with
velvet pillows. Dana doubted that
her grandmother ever relaxed
upon it,
Yes, truly the aged woman could
achieve here the lady of the house
feeling, forgetting the shabbiness
so apparent in other parts of her
home, the petty problems and econ
omieS that must be so distaSteful
The dresses have come" Mrs.
Cameron said slowly ELLEN and
1 drove to town for them"
"Oh," Dana began impulsively-
that's why Nancy and I were
wondering why they didn't come. -
She stopped in embarrassment.
Il never have believed in accept
/ ing things from tradespeople I'M
less I am sure my instructions have
been carried out. But the dresses
are as they should be so we brought
them home"
Dana did not reply. wondering at
! hnr fro int x,r;-l n
could be natural with her grand
! mother.
Il was gratified, Dana" Mrs
Cameron went on, when you asked
Ronald Moore to receive with you
Nancy seems to dislike him because
his father happened to have the
ability to make and keep a fortune.
The Older I grow, the more I believe
money is essential as an armor of
protection against the irritations OF
| life
Dana was thinking, "She wants
Nancy and me to marry rich men.
Well, why doesn't she come right
out in the open and say sol"
Its absurd to think a person
can't be fine and worthwhile be-
cause they have money" Mrs. Cam
eron said, her eyes fixed apprais-
ingly on her granddaughter. Don't
you agree with me?"
"Of course" Dana answered. Lots
of times persons who have money
are nicer, because they've been
given the chance to cultivate their
minds and improve their perSonali-
ties" She expressed this conviction
simply.
MRS. CAMERON nodded ap-
Iva prevail. Il have always said 1t
was just as easy to love a rich man
as poor one. And how different
your life will be if you choose a rich
one"
Il shouldn't think money would
make as much difference as some
other things, though" Dana de-
INJURED.
"Poppycockl Blood, fine stock
and heritage are very well, Dana.
But they count less these days, and
count for nothing if you haven't
the money to back them up. I hope
you will make a wise choice when
you decide to marry, child. 1t would
break my heart if you didn't
Dana laughted. I'm afraid I'd
make poor poor wife," she
said. I'm pretty helpless. Anyway
maybe no one will ever ask me to
marry them. If nobody does, I'll go
OF work. There must be some talent
[ can use"
Your talent is your beauty" Her
grandmothers's voice was calm and
assured. Its the greatest talent
woman can have if she uses it
wisely"
Dana's face flushed unhappily. It
sounded dreadful, the way her
grandmother said that. Cold
blooded and material. Like selling
1 e.