The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1935-04-13

WOulQn nave 10 cross the pay alone.
He was one man whose time would
never be considered too valuable to
permit such small courtesies.
The more she saw of him the bet
ter she liked his wholesome point
of view and buoyant unspoiled op-
timism. 1t was refreshing to be with
a person whose intelligence was
keenly alert yet who had also man
aged to retain his enthusiasm.
CTEPHEN REAGAN JR., who
~ asked to be called Steve, enjoyed
life. He liked to swim and dance
and play tennis. He rode horseback
and travelled in airplanes.
I'D like to have a plane of my
own some day." he said, just as he
had said, Some day I'd like to have
publishing business of my own"
His was perhaps the untried con-
fidence of youth, the self assurance
of one who has money back of him,
but even so it was appealing. If
Peggy were anything like her
brother, Irene told herself, she really
wouldn't blame Bart.
But Peggy wasn't. SO much was
evident from Irene's first glance at
the impatient, petulan, girl waiting
in her fathers library. Peggy'S
figure was too mature. Her skin
bore the velvety sheen of youth be-
meath a ridiculous amount of CO.'S
metics. applied heavily but also with
a good deal of skill.
She was obviously trying to look
as unhealthily exotic as naturally
buXom girl could, and this effect, so
apparent to the other girls expert
enced eyes, made her seem crudely
young.
She's nothing but a baby" was
IreneS first astoniShed impression.
Even her own little sister Betty, who
was the same age. seemed grown up
in comparison with this other 49,
year-old.
It's about time you were getting
here" Peggy exclaimed.
What's your hurry?" Steve re-
torted good naturedly. Irene, this
is the spoiled sister. Peggy, I want
you to meet Miss Gardner"
How do you do?" drawled Peggy
in her best movie star manner. I'm
starved That's why I'm in a
hurry"
The room they were in was alive
with books and warm with maroon
colored hangings. A fire burned
brightly in the fireplace. Shaded
lights cleaned conveniently close to
every chair. 1t was a room to in
vite the soul and Irene, picturing
Bart reading before the fire. thought
achingly, mo wonder he's ambitious
when success means things like
this"
Was he going to be here or wasn't
he? Then Steve, pressing a bell for
the servant repeated the question
which had been running through
her mind.
'Were's Bart?"
In the laboratory with father
They've been there for hours
Tell the doctor our guest is here,
will you, Clem?" Steve ordered.
ITEM minutes later Irene lifted
Il startling black-lashed green
eyes to the sight of the man she
loved. Unconscious of her proXim-
ity. he was happily absorbed in
conversation with the older man.
1t was DR.. Reagan, whose buShy
eyebrows concealed gray eyes so
like his sons who doomed. Little
Miss Gardner, isn't it? Well, this
is a surprise.
At the sound of her name Bartlett
froze to attention. His eyes met hers
Self-ConSciouSly. Irene was amazed
to realize that his panic was even
greater than her own. The knowl-
edge gave her courage to put out
her hand. saying, Good evening,
doctor! How are you?"
Then every one was laughing and
talking again, dinner was an
nounced. and Peggy was saying
childishly. Come and sit by me.
Bart darling! I haven't seen you
for four days"
Didn't DR.. Williams tell me you
had gone into aviation?' Dr.. Reagan
inquired kindly.
Yes, I have" the girl answered
while Stephen Jr. added, That's
where I met her, dad. Flying to
Seattle"
And do you like it better than
hospital work?" the surgeon con-
tinued.
Bart was listening, too. Irene
could see him watching her COW
ertly.
Much better" she replied gay
". IT'S quite the most thrilling
experience I've ever had.
Il wanted 10 learn to fly. but daddy
and Steve won't let me-" pouted