Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1910-07-14

young man is still under 80 the delu-
sion serves all the purposes of actual
| knowledge. Rodney Merriam had often
spoken to Leighton of Zelda Damer-
on's home coming.
| Zelda Dameron's return to Mariona
was more of an event than she herself
understood. The Merriams were an
interesting family; they were, indeed
one of the first families There were
Merriams about whom people laughed
cynically; but Mrs Forrest did not be-
long to this faction, nor did Rodney
Merriam, Of whom most people stood
in awe. There had been much specu-
lation, in advance of Zelda's coming,
as to her probable course when she
should return to Mariona with her
aunt. Many had predicted that she
would not go to live with her father
that Mrs. Forrest and Rodney Mer-
riam would save her from that; but
Zelda was already domiciled in her
fathers house
Mrs. Forrest led her brother to an
alcove of Mrs. Carr's library, and sent
him to bring cup of tea to her there.
She was afraid to wait for a better
opportunity; she must take advantage
of his first impression at once. He
brought what was offered at the buffet
in the dining room, and gave her his
serious attention.
This isn't quite the place I should
have chosen for a reunion after three
years" he began. Where was it
saw you ,last?' Geneva? 1 believe 1t
was. The. girl is very handsome.
suppose you found your house in good
order. And Zee went with you with
out any trouble. That's as it should
be-"
But, Rodney, she isn't with me!
She has gone to her father; she
wouldn't have it any other way"
"Oh! I'll fix that, I'll get her away
from him. Now that you've given her
to him, l suppose I'll have to take
hand" said Merriam, with frank dis
pleasure. 'Tll have to renew my ac-
quaintance with that blackguard.
really suppose I'll have to call on him,
or l might meet him accidentally, in
the street, or at the bank. l might
make study of his habits and then lie
in wait 1 should like to give an acci-
dental air to the meeting, to save my
self respect as far as possible"
tion dinner" she said. I'VE might as
well go into it deep while we are about
it."
Merriam shrugged his shoulders
Don't push too fast. 1 don't remember
Ezra as a good dinner man."
'Ill take you home If you're ready"
said Mrs Forrest, when, after some
further talk, they returned to the
drawing room. "Zelda's father is COM
ing for her."
Thanks; but I'm going to walk
down with Leighton, If l can find him"
1t was nearly O'Clock, and pro-
cession of women was coming down
the stairs to Mrs Carr's front door,
as Rodney Merriam and Morris Leigh
ton left the house with Mrs. Forrest
and Zelda The waiting carriages made
a long line in the street.
How gay it looksi The old town
really has a metropolitan air at last.
A tea-with men present-it's almost
beyond belief"
The towns not so bad. Julia; and
it's a nice comfortable place for ones
old age You'd better get reconciled."
Mrs. Forests carriage had drawn
up to the curb and Leighton shut her
into it.
BE sure to come to my house to-
morrow. Zee" she called to the girl.
Miss Dameron's carriagel"
A shabby vehicle emerged from the |
line and came forward. Zelda and !
Leighton were talking animatedly; and |
Merriam watched the approaching |
carriage with interest, standing back |
from the curb. II was a box-llke, |
closed carriage OF an old pattern, |
drawn by one horse, with the driver |
mounted on a low seat In front. Leigh |
ton opened the door.
shall l say homer" Morris asked, /
as the girl gathered up her skirts and
stepped in.
you needn't trouble yourself" said
the driver, sharply. He was mufied In
a heavy coat though the air was
warm, and as the carriage door closed J