Clearwater Republican. [volume] (Orofino, Idaho) 1912-1922, 1916-01-21
CHAPTER DISCONTINUED.

ing. She looked over Rosamund's
shoulder.
Flodie looked up with quick ding
Of her head. Her eyes snapped.
-Four millions!" Rosamund put
down the paper.
FOR a moment the three women
looked at one another in silence. A
wave of bitterest enmity seemed to
sweep around the circle. Each face
was set and hard, as each guarded her
secret thought Then each stirred.
restless and nervous, In fear Of betray-
ing herself.
Carolyn spoke, almost in whisper.
$50 that's why Hall proposed to VI all
today"
YES" said Mrs. Royalton. HE evi-
IDENTITY wanted to be sure Of getting at
least one Of US" Her lips curlsd in 4
sheer.
mo wonder he was in hurry" said
Rosamund. -Four millions!"
There was another tense pause.
while Flodis watched. fascinated, TAX
ing Sasping breaths. Then the three
spoke almost simultaneously, one to
another.
"You promised" It was a threat,
question, entreaty, all in one.
Carolyn and Mrs. Royalton stared at
Rosamund. Rosamund faced the two
Aefantly. In that crisis the three
women were swept millions Of miles
apart, then clashed hercely together.
Little F1odie was forgotten; she
turned from one to the other in alarm.
Then came the forced confession, with
. sigh from each of the three. Eyes,
We did promise! Yes, we didl Yes!"
Carolyn again took command. This
- . serious thing, girls. We must
keep our word. every one Of ~. Rosa
mund, you can't 90 back on US, now!"
go back on you? Why do you pick
me out. How about you and Mrs.
Aoyalton, I'd like to knowf Are you
going to stand by met"
yes, you proposed 1t In the nrst
place, you know, Carolyn!" Mrs. Roy
Alton broke In. II think you had better
speak for yourself, before you accuse
usi"
WELL" said Carolyn, hesitatingly.
IT don't intend to back out of It," She
suddenly turned suspiciously to Flo
de and forced laugh. "Oh, Miss
FISHER" she said. suavely. don't think
we're insane or anything. but this is a
little joke We had planned for the party
tonight. A sort of surprise, you
know-
"Oh. YES. didn't quite understand
what you were saying, / was 90 busy"
said Flodie. About the costumes.
isn't IT."
"Yss. about the costumes" Mrs.
Aoyalton interrupted swestly. you see
we're all going to wear"
"Oh, don't give 1t all away" Rosa
mund exclaimed.
Mrs. Royalton took . step toward
the door. well. Carolyn. I've got to
I'll while"
well, I've got to leave myself;
mercy, it's awfully late! l think II
60 with you'll" said Carolyn, moving of
asrvously. You've got your car here
haven't your" Mrs. Royalton nodded
~All right, then; come on!"
Say, I think I'll 90 along, too
Rosamund was now conscious Of hel
equality with these society ladies. ant
proposed to display tin her owr
way "I'd just as lief 60 uptown.
have an errand on Ninetieth street
anyway"
Mrs. Royalton resigned herself t
the inevitable. Truth to tell, she wal
NO little afraid Of this picturesqu,
blonde. ooh, then, very well-I1l b,
delighted to give you lift in my car
I'm sure!"
Carolyn gave her glance, ant
smiled acridly. "Oh, yes, do come
Miss Gale, wen be SO glad to see NOR,
Of you'll That will be charming"
mo-" said Rosamund, bluntly,
think I'll walk, after ALL" The thre
went out with over-polits good after
moons" to Miss Fisher.
CHAPTER X.