Clearwater Republican. [volume] (Orofino, Idaho) 1912-1922, 1917-08-03
CHAPTER iv.--continued.
cspyTisht b.
Louis Jsseph vancs

TeCIly Ut his uuusutcT, duu uOW BIC |
knew him positively. Though his jaw
dropped, his mouth gaped, and his eyes
stared prominently from countenance
that in a twinkling darkened portent-
ously above the blank pallor Of his
shirt bosom, in every lineament he was
Ihaddeus Craven Of the sempiternally
youthful face, showed never line to
declare he wasn't thirty-one but q
round decade older.
For a moment whose tension lent 1t
the length Of many, father and daugh-
ter remained transfixed and staring.
Then his emotion communicated itself
to the woman in his arms. Startled and
wondering she unveiled her eyes,
caught a Swallowed glimpse of the third
figure, disengaged, and drew away. And
Craven suffered this without sign to
indicate that he had not forgotten her,
maintaining his poise and stare with a
fxity that, penetrating Lydia's confu-
sion, stirred her curiosity.
Taking one step toward him, she
paused again, lifted one hand in a ges-
ture at once apologize and appealing,
and said falteringly, Daddy"
With visible effort Craven pulled
himself together and made an attempt
to speak; but only husky whisper
ratified in his throat. Then his glance
veered uncertainty to Mrs. Merrilees.
Abruptly this last, overcoming her
establishment, precipitated the situa-
ton. The blush that had Swallowed
her exquisite face ebbed again, leaving
1t incomparably fair. She threw back
her shoulders and took full advantage
Of her inches.
"Really, Miss Carteret-" she began;
and then her voice of crystal clearness
broke in a cool and tinkling laugh.
"Oh, do forgive me, Mrs. Merrilees !
] never dreamed-I expected to find
my father alone"
"Father" With that iteration Of
superb insolence, Mrs. Merrilees be-
came once more completely mistress Of
herself; and If her tone cried scorn
upon presumptuous girl, her look de-
manded explanation of the man.
But Craven had needed no more time
to make good his recovery. 1t was his
familiar self who stepped into this
breach, amiable, unruffled, perhaps a
shade too devil-may-care; but to bal
ance that there was not unbecoming
ring Of Difference in his voice. I'm
afraid" he said, "my surprise knocked
me silly for moment. Lydia, I'd no
idea you were on board but you seem
already to know Mrs. Merrilecs. Betty,
permit me to present my daughter"
"Your daughter. Tad?" There was
unpropitious raillery in the woman's
tone.
Craven replied only by bow.
"Do you realize this Is my first inti-
nation that you were asking me to be-
come stepmother?"
1--WE much to tell you, Betty" Cra-
ven answered with grave simplicity !;
then, turning to his daughter, Lydia,
Mrs. Merrilees has just done me the
honor to promise to become my wife,
and-the truth is"
ITO come out!" Mrs. Merrilees sup
piled incisively.
He laughed little awkwardly. Eek
actly! I mean to say, 1t was all quite
unprecedented. 1t isn't fifteen min
utes since we found we-ah-loyed
each other; since when have been
rather too preoccupied to advise Mrs.
Merrilees of all my affairs. In another
hour, Of course, she would have known.
As 1t Is If the fact Of my prior mar
riage-"
"Tad" Mrs. Merrilees INTERCEPTED
with a spirit that commanded his def.
erence. "We're neither Of US fools
Don't overdo things. You're talking
stupidly-Quite unlike yourself.
don't care to hear more until you've
found your bearings; and want time
to find mine, into the bargain. That's
fair, isn't lit"
Nothing more So" he affirmed cheer
fully.
"Then I'll leave you to your-family
reunion!"
Fugitively Craven's eyes conveyed
what was at once q demand and ar
appeal. But before Lydia could re
spond Mrs. Merrilees anticipated, witt
a quick movement crossing to drop hel
hands lightly upon the girls shoulders
my dear Miss Craven!" she sale
with an odd little catch In her voice
I'm not sure yet I ought to call 20,
Lydia; but I'm awfully fond Of you
father, and-and If can get over wha
doesn't seem an unfair suspicion tina
he's kept me too long in the darl
about you, shall probably marry him.
II can't wish him greater good for
tune" said Lydia quietly.
"You are a dear! And SO beauti
,ful-rm jealous. Do you think, Tad
1t Is wise to have two blondes In on
family? Don't answer, please. It's
riddle I must solve to my own salts
faction before l listen to you again
But-I'm serious-think 1t over"
With transient tightening OF he
grasp on Lydia's shoulders, pressur
that conveyed hint Of friendliness
the woman turned away.