The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1935-09-17
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they went to Cleveland to see the
opening Of a New York play, star
ring the Lunts. Ruth wore the
shen-pink velvet dress beneath the
fOx-trimmed evening coat and
wondered if she were overly dressed
or rushing the season. 1t appeared
that she was not. Her clothes
seemed appropriate in the smart
place where they C.ned.
John was satisfyingly impressed.
you're stunning!" he told her,
looking across the table in frank
appraisal. Did you send for all
these clothes you've been wearing
lately? You came without bag
gage, if I remember rightly. All
you had was a bunch Of parcels"
Ruth said steadily, I didn't have
to send for anything. And for the
funniest reason! Last spring my
my family sent a box for ST.. Steph-
ems rummage sale and it got here
too late. Penny dragged it up to
the Storeroom and it's been here
ever since. We opened it after 7
came and it was stocked with fall
and winter clothes from last sea-
son."
John said, "A girl who's crazy
enough to come eff without her
clothes doesn't deserve a break like
that"
mo-" answered Ruth humbly,
she doesn't. I haven't deserved
any of the breaks Of this visit, John
Finding you next door, for instance,
Liking you"
"JuSt-hking me, Elaine?"
CHE replied. making patterns on
~ the table cloth with one finger,
Sometimes I write things I'm too
inhibited to say. When l go away,
maybe I'll leave a letter for you"
Il don't like the sound of that"
he replied, shaking his head and
staring at the glowing tip Of his
cigaret. 1T sounds like you're plan |
ming dismissal for me. When is
this to happen? ANY definite time
set?"
mo definite time" she answered,
not looking at him.
When in Cleveland that other
time she had managed to locate the
Salvation Army headquarters. She
supposed they would take her in I'M
til she could find work.
Sitting here in this restaurant, in
velvet evening gown and gold slip
pers facing a young man in din
ner jacket who was locking at her
tenderly and solicitously, it seemed
prepoSterous to think Of herself ap-
plying for a corner in a Salvation
Army barrack. Applying for it hope
fully, accepting it gratefully.
Her face must have registered
some of the turmoil of her thoughts,
for John said quickly, mo serious
thinking permitted tonight! I
wonder if you like plain beefsteak
as we'll as I do?"
Order it." Ruth told him, and
I'll show you. Do you happen to
notice how I've put on weight since
I've been here?"
I've noticed" he replied ''You
look a hundred per cent better
Don't ever carry dieting to that eX-
IRENE again. Elaine! Will you prom
Use me that?'
She saw that he was in earnest.
She wanted to promise him, but
how could she know what the fu-
ture might hold for her in the shape
of meal tickets? She compromised
by saying, I believe I've learned my
lesson. 1 can see what rest and reg
ular meals have done for me. be-
lieYe I'm fit for anything that's
ahead of me now"
A waiter. bringing hors d'oevres,
interrupted the personal trend and
after that it was merely a social
evening.
Ruth had never seen a play by
famous professionals, but no one
would have suspected it as she sat
beside John MCNEIL and studied her
program with quiet poiSe.
He liked her SileneeS. He had al
ways hated chattering girls who
talked nervouSly with a horror Of
pause. In Ruth's company the