Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1916-01-21
CHAPTER lx-ContInued.

"'On or before" said Carolyn, frown-
fng. She looked over Rosamund's
shoulder
Flodie looked up with quick fling
of her head Her eyes snapped.
-Four millionsl" 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 a whisper.
80 that's why Hall proposed to us all
today"
YES" said Mrs. Royalton. He evil
least one Of u.s." Her lips curled in a
sneer
mo wonder he was in hurry" said
Rosamund. -Four millionsl"
There was another tense pause,
while Flodis watched. fascinated, TAX
ing gasping 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
defiantly. In that crisis the three
women we're swept millions of miles
apart. then clashed fiercely together
Little Flodie was forgotten; she
turned from one to the other in alarm
Then came the forced confession, with
a sigh from each of the three. Yes
we did promised Yes, we did Yesl'
Carolyn again took command. This
h serious thing, girls. We must
keep our word, every one of us. Rosa
mund, you can't go back on us, now!'
Go back on you? Why do you pick
me out How about you and Mrs
Royalton. I'd like to knowf Are you
going to stand by me?"
Eyes, you proposed 1t in the first
place, you know, Carolynl" Mrs. Roy
alton broke in. 81 think you had better
speak for yourself. before you accuse
usf'
We'll" said Carolyn, hesitatingly
81 don't intend to back out of It," She
suddenly turned suspiciously to Flo
die and forced a laugh "Oh, Miss
Fisher" she said, suavely, don't think
we're insane or anything, but this is q
little joke we had planned for the party
tonight. A sort of surprise, you
know"
"Oh, yes, didn't quite understand
what you we're saying. l was so busy"
ssid Flodie. About the costumes
isn't it7"
Yes, about the costumes" Mrs
RoyRlton interrupted sweetly, you see
we're all going to wear"
"Oh. don't give 1t all awayl" Rosa
mund exclaimed.
Mrs. Royalton took step toward
the door "Well, Carolyn, I've got to
go" she said. tive been here an aw'
ful while. 49,"
well, I've got to leave MYSELF
mercy, It's awfully latel think I'll
30 with you'll" said Carolyn, moving on
nsrvously. You've got your car here
haven't your" Mrs. Royalton nodded
~All right, then; come onl"
Say, think I'll go along. too"
Rosamund was now conscious OF her
equality with these society ladies. and
proposed to display tin her own
way. I'D just as lief go uptown. /
have an errand on Ninetieth street
anyway"
Mrs. Royaltep resigned herself to
the inevitable Truth to tell. she was
no little afraid of this picturesque
blonde. "Oh, then. very well-In be
delighted. to give you lift in my car,
I'm surel"
Carolyn gave her a glance, and
smiled acridly. "Oh, yes. do come,
Miss Gale, wen be so glad to see more
of you'll sThatVwill be charming"
NO" said Rosamund. bluntly, 81
think III walk. after ALL" The three
went out with over-polite good after
moons" to Miss Fisher.
CHAPTER X.