Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1914-06-11
TheHOlOW
b ; Of Her Hand
George Barr MoCutCheOn
q nH 81 N0Dl /Z1AD G. COMM


/ "Confound 1t all. don't want to be
pitied"
Then I'd advise you to defer your
try at It," she remarked.
I'm mad about her. Sara. can't
sleep, can't think, / can't--yes, can
eat, but 1t doesn't taste right to me.
I've just got to have It 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. Pm going to settle It
tonight. It's been nearly three weeks
now. She's surely had time to think
It over: how much better everything
win be for her. and all that She's
no fool, Sara And do you know what
viyian's doing this very instant over
there in the corner? She's inviting
her to spend fortnight over at our
| place. II she comes-well, that means
the engagement will he 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 own mind that
Hetty Castleton would not be such q
fool as to refuse him the second time.
1T Is barely possible, Leslie" she
said. that she may consider Brandon
Booth quite as good = catch as you.
and infinitely better looking at the
present moment"
TITS this beastly sunburn," he la
mented, rubbing his nose gently, think
ing first Of his person. An instant
later he was thinking Of the other
half Of the declaration. That's just
what I've been afraid Of" he said. 81
| told you what would happen If that
portrait nonsense went on forever. It's
your fault. Sara"
But | have reason to believe she
will not accept him, If it goes 30 far
as that. You are quite safe in that
direction"
Cad, I'd hate to risk It," he NUT
tered. II have 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. Il can't bear the thought
OF being alone In this big old barn
of place. Nice OF you to want her,
but"
"Oh. don't be selfish. Sara. cried
Vivian.
You don't know how much / de-
pend on her. said Sara.
I'D ask you over, too, dear, II there
weren't SO many others coming.
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."
Il say, Sara" broke in Leslie, you
could go up to Bar Harbor with the
Williamsons at that time. Tell her
about the invitation, Viyie."
1T isn't necessary" said Sara cold
". Il scarcely know the William
sons" She hesitated an instant and
then went on with sardonio 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 well enough to
say" said Vivian, turning away. IT
only know we're all snobs of the worst
sort"
Just 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 I, without
first consulting Sara?"
Then you don't intend to ask her?p
Certainly not"
After the WrandaIls had departed,
Sara took Hetty OF to her room. The
girl knew what was coming.
"Hetty," said the older woman, fac.
ing her after she had closed the door
Of her boudoir, what is going on be-
tween you and Brandon Booth?
must have the truth. Are you doing
anything foolish?"
Foolish? Heaven help me. mol
TIT is tragedy" cried Hetty, meet
Ing her gaze with one of utter despair.
What has happened? Tell mel"
What am to do. Sara darling?
He--he has told me that he-he-"
Loves your"
Yes"
And you have told him that his
love Is returned?"
Il couldn't help it. l was carried
away. ! did not mean to let him see
that l."
you are such q novice In the bust
ness Of love-" said Sara sneeringly.
You are in the habit Of being carried
away, ! fear
"Oh. sara!'
You must put q stop to all this