The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1914-11-26

pitied!"
Then I'd advise you to defer your
try at it," she remarked.
I'm mad about her, Sara. l can't
sleep, | can't think, | can't-yes, I can
eat, but it doesn't taste right t me.
I've just got to have 1t settled. Why,
people are beginning to notice the
change in me. They say all sorts of
things. About my liver, and all that
sort of thing. I'm going to settle It
tonight. It's been nearly three weeks
now. She's surely had time to think
1t over; how much better everything
will be for her, and all that. She's
no fool, Sara. And do you know what
Viy'an's doing this very instant over
there in the corner? She's inviting
her to spend a fortnight over at our
place. II she comes-well, that means
the engagement will be announced at
once"
Sara did not marvel at his assur.
ance In the face of what had gone be-
fore. She knew him too well. In spite
of the original rebuff, he was thor
oughly satisfied in his Owl mind that
Hetty Castleton would not be such q
fool as to refuse him the second time.
ut is barely possible, Leslie" she
said, that she may consider Brandon
Booth quite as good a catch as you,
and infinitely better looking at the
present moment"
"It's this beastly sunburn," he la
mented, rubbing his nose gently, think
ing first of his person. An instant
later he vas thinking Of the other
half of the declaration. That's just
what I've been afraid Of" he said. II
told you what would happen II that
portrait nonsense went on forever. It's
your fault, Sara"
but / have reason to believe she
will not accept him, II 1t goes so far
as that. You are quite safe in that
direction"
Cad, I'd hate to risk It," he NUT
tered. Il have a feeling she's in love
with him."
Vivian approached. Sara, you must
let me have Miss Castleton for the
first two weeks in July" she said Sc
renely.
II can't do 1t, Vivian" said the other
promptly. 81 can't bear the thought
OF being alone in this big old barn
Of a place. Nice Of you to want her,
put"
"Oh, don't be selfish. Sara" cried
Vivian.
you don't know how much I de-
pend on her." said Sara.
I'D ask you over, too, dear, il there
weren't so many others coming. l
don't know where we're going to put
them. You understand. don't you?"
Perfectly" said her sister-in-law.
But I've been counting on-Hetty."
II say, Sara" broke in Leslie, you
could go up to Bar Harbor with the
Wflliamsons at that time. Tell her
about the invitation. Vivie."
1T isn't necessary" said Sara cold
ly. 81 scarcely know the William
sons" She hesitated an instant and
then went on with sardonic dismay:
They're in trade, you know"
That's nothing against EN-" pro-
tested he. "Awfully jolly people
really ripping. Amt they, viv?"
Il don't know them we'll enough to
say" said Vivian, turning away. 81
only know we're all snobs of the worst
sort"
Just a minute. WV" he called out.
What does Miss Castleton say about
coming?" 1t was an eager question.
Much depended on the reply.
Il haven't asked her." said his sis
ter succinctly. How could |, without
first consulting Sara?"
"Then you don't intend to ask herr"
Certainly not"
After the Wrandalls had departed,
Sara took Hetty of to her room. The
girl knew what was coming.
"Hetty," said the older fac
ing her after she had closed the door
Of her boudoir, what is going on be-
tween you and Brandon Booth? l
must have the truth. Are you doing
anything foolish?"
"Foolish?, Heaven help me, no!
lit is a tragedy" cried Hetty, meet
ing her gaze with one OF utter despair.
What has %happered? Tell mel
what am l to do. Sara darling?
He-he has told ME hat he-he-"
Loves ycu?"
"Yes."
And you have told him that his
love iS rpfurupd?o b.
Il couldn't help 1t. / was carried
away. / did not mean to let him see
that l."
you are such a novice In the bust
ness Of love-" said Sara sneeringly.
You are in the habit of being carried
away, l fear"
"Oh, Sara!"
"You must put a stop to all this
at once. How can you think of marry.
ing him. Hetty Glyna? Send him
II do not intend to marry him." said
the girl, suddenly calm and dignified.
Il am to draw but one conclusion,
I suppose" said the other, regarding
the girl %intently.
What do you mean?"
as it necessary to ask that ques-
tion?"
The puzzled expression remained in
the girls eyes for a time, and then
slowly gave way to one Of absolute
horror. n
How dare you suggest such a
ihingr she cried. turning pale. thon