The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1935-03-11
CHAPTER FIFTEEN

ling white on the morning OF JnaC
December day which was to bring
lingo such cruel heartbreak. The
lilac tree below her window bore a
mantle of velvet. She hummed as
she took her bath and dressed.
There was much to be done today.
The four new arrivals in the
nursery meant extra food, different
diets. Small Winnie, now almost
fully recovered from her long i'll
ness, was to have her bed moved to
the glassed-in sun porch, and there
were three new cribs to be set up.
In addition to that, DR.. Bob had
reminded her yesterday that Christ
mas was not far away and there
would be wreaths in the windows
and a Santa Claus and all the
things that go with Christmas.
Popcorn strings. laSsie-colored
popcorn he had said. And
apples and cookies. And Santa
Claus must have white whiskers."
And besides, Mr.. Jock would come
in soon after lunch when her work
was finished, and they would talk
in DR.. Bob's office of the new wing
that was we'll under way.
1t was just before Christmas a
year ago that Harry had left town
for a short time. He had come back
late Christmas Eve and had brought
her the celluloid toilet set. lingo
had been very glad to see him. For
a moment her eyes clouded as she
ran her hand over the mirror. How
proud Harry had been of his gift
for her.
DR.. Laird called as she passed his
office.
"Ah, such bright eyes" he smiled.
They sparkle like the snow on the
trees out yonder. Lassie, some young
women are coming this afternoon
to see the hospital. There will be
10 of them; club, you know, and
they have become interested in our
placethrough one of their members,
a Miss Ann WeStmore."
lingo knew who Ann Westmore
was. She had seen her name and
picture in the social columns of the
daily paper. 1t had been coupled
frequently with John Dey's within
the last year.
"They will be taken through the
hospital and later we will serve
them tea in the reception room. 1t
seems that Miss Ann and her club
would like to give the Riddles their
Christmas this year"
"Oh, and then-there will be no
colored popcorn strings and apples
and cookies?"
He debated for moment. 81 like
the idea of popcorn strings myself,
but if they want to give us real
Christmas, we must let them. We
are poor, you know, and there will
be enough toys to last throughout
the year. And besides, there will be
new shoes and stockings and dresses
and pants!"
lingo nodded slowly. She knew
we'll the need for those shoes and
stockings and dresses and pants.
Just yesterday, Casey had exhibited
shoe with Tapping sole.
Now want to ask you this, las
sic. I want you to put on fresh,
white frock and white shoes and
powder that pretty nose of yours
and be at the door to welcome
them.
you will act as guide. You will
show them Winnie and Casey and
Betsy and all the rest. And the
sun parlor and the diet kitchen.
And while you are doing it, Title
will set up the tea table and you
will act as hostess at the tea party.
lingo started to speak but he held
up his finger and smiled. 81 want
you to, lassie. They will be here
at q"
"All right, will, DR.. Bob" as
she turned away.
CHE watched Tillie closely that
- morning, and by noon the hos
pital was shining in cleanliness.
There was a roaring fire in the re-
ception room and a crystal bowl Of
flowers on the table. lingo looked
up at the picture of the dark haired
girl in the gold frame as she ar
ranged the flowers.
This is all for her! She is 60
ing to marry hilni And know he
will be unhappy know and I'm
glad"
The guests arrived promptly at
two. She watched the cars roll into
the driveway and one after another
a bevy of lovely, laughing girls
emerged from their cushioned lux
ury.
One, tall and slender, her head
half buried in soft gray fox fur,
a small violet turban over her ash
blond hair, led the way to the door.
DR.. Laird himself admitted them.
MA.a., 49,. dan,. ., said he