The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1935-09-10
CHAPTER TWELVE.


II nth spent the day entertain
N ing Penny. That is to say, she
listened to Penny and she talked
10 Penny. She was we'll rewarded.
There was the knowledge that
she had made the lonely. half
blind old woman happy. and there
was the useful information she
cleaned in regard to Elaine's
family.
Elaine's father. she learned
from Pennys rambling tales, was
an admirable young man who was
killed IN the World War ruth
thought. AT least Elaine Chal-
mers and I have that in common
our brave fathers whom We
can't remember Elaine's moth
or. Miss Gwen" eventually mar
RED q second time. The man was
an old sutton Higate Deal, OF
Wall Street fame
In speaking of Deal, Penny
limited dark things. Hes ruinin'
your grandpas railroad. Now
that he's got hold of it they don't
paw the stockholders around here
like they used TO. l hear reports"
She stopped. as if afraid she had
said too much.
Ruth. in turn, invented interest
ing accounts of Elaine's life IN the
east. L was at a wonderful house
marty last summer, Penny" and
she told glamOrOus details without
a twinge of conscience. She knew
that she was feeding Penny's starved
imagination and making her tenn
pOrarily happy. What else was
there to offer for birthday diver
sion?
7 won a swimming event at New
port, PENNY" At Saranac one
time when l was skiing and took
an awful tumble. The young man
who picked me up afterward pro-
posed to me, but mother and Mr.
Deal didn't approve, SO nothing
came of it."
Maybe he didn't have enough
money" remarked Penny with
faint snort. ANY mention of
Higate Deal seemed to throw her
into a suppressed rage.
II nth led her to talk of Grand
N father Hunter" the old rail-
road king. There was a man for
youl" Penny declared. "SiXfoOt-
two. White hair piled on his head
like A corn shock. A nose like an
eagles beak. He spoiled his chill
dIen-your mother and Uncle Dun
can-sOmethm' awful, but he never
spoiled himself. He let EN- go east
to school and do as they pleased.
But he always said the state of Ohio
was good enough for him. Folks
around here still talk about ST
Hunter. If they knew you was in
town. his only grandchild. they'd
likely write a piece about you in the
paper
Penny" exclaimed Ruth in
real panic. IF anything like that
happens I'll leave town. II hate
PUBLICITY" She made Penny take
a solemn oath that she would tell no
one of her presence.
I wouldn't anyway" Penny eX-
planned. L keep to myself People
pry. There's lots of things I'd die
before I'd tell emil" She peered
around her defiantly. as if holding
the whole town at bay.
Yes. Penny" said Ruth sooth-
ingly. and patted her arm Would
you mind if I'd go for a ride with
John Mcneil before supper? He
asked me this morning"
Penny relaxed. DO go, Miss
Elaine. Itn do you good Only
be sure to put on that warmer
suit. It's turned chilly with the
rain"
Ruth and John Mcneil were both
10 minutes early for their appoint
ment. Ruth answered the door
when he rang and said. L meant
to keep you waiting. This childish
eagerness of mine is going to ruin
YOU
I'm easily spoiled John replied
as he helped her into the low-swung
roadster which was parked before
the porch.
For instance. that kiss precedent
Couldn't we do it-once, say, every
time We meet?"
why should we?" Ruth asked in
a cool, alOOf voice.