Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1918-05-25
Hclen's Reward.
CHAPTER LXXVI.


$50 I was a good girl, was n" I
did not pretend to misunderstood.
you are wonderful girl" he
said, with a note IN his voice that
thrilled me. "If you aren't too tired
or too-upset," again his eyes held
that twinkle, I'VE will work little
longer, then Robert will give us some
luncheon. That is, IL you will honor
Ee?"
Had 1t not been for Mrs. Collins
calling my husband George and
her absolute ignoring of me or my
feelings, | should have hesitated to
lunch alone with Merton Gray, with
only maid as chaperon. But l was
hurt, humiliated in spite OF my
brave talk, that Merton should see
me so snubbed. That was just what
Julia Collins had tried, to do, and it
| hadn't been the first time she bad
tried to snub me before George and
others. / gave her the credit, how
ever. OF doing it only to impress
George with my lack OF savior faire-
THAT will be lovely! I'm sure
wen have a better time than they"
accepted unconsciously giving Mer-
ton n chance to see my hurt
II am sure we will" he responded,
then, Excuse me minute. III tell
Robert 10 do his best"
Hour Which Brought Good Results.
! lie was gone but n moment, then,
without saying anything more. he
acain posed me and resumed work
| ing For over an hour, with an oc-
casional rest, he worked steadily,
saying nothing save to'remind me t.
keep quiet. or to ask If / were able
to hold the position a little longer.
/ was husily thinking. while he
worked. i remembered that pecu-
liar flash that I had seen before, on
my husbands face, when l had been
able to hold my own with his women
friends. Was it really true that even
occasionally he was proud Of me?
Already. I had forgotten that I was
ordered like a child--that l had been
hurt and angry because of it. The
tilt with Julia Collins in which /
had not come off second best had
raised my spirits, and with the resili
oncy OF youth / made a silent VOW to
lmalle him proud of me, in every
way. before | finished.
| 'Why that determined look?" Mer-
ton asked. as he threw down his
brushes. you have decided some
thing"
Yes"
Something important?"
Very"
"T shan't ask you what I have
n notion you would not tell me. and
don't like to be snubber."
Neither do T. Hence the de-
cislon,"
We both laughed merrily, / had
not meant to take him even so much
into my confidence. but the words
had sipped out The hearty laugh
that we enjoyed robbed them, how
ever, of all sting, and OF all en- bar
rassment- I knew that he was aware
OF my meaning; and he knew that
sensed his understanding. But
neither OF us referred TO the subject
again.
"Inncheon is served" Robert an
nounccd."
Always at Crucial Time.
why It is. I wonder, that buffers
and maids always interrupt con-
versa ton at a crucial time? Soberts
simple announcement brought us
back 10 our own affairs without en-
barrassment, and we gaily followed
him to the breakfast room where
the table was daintily set for TWO.
I felt so deliciously wicked. II
was Just like the things OF whiCh
/ read This luncheon n deuX, IN
the studio of a popular artist bu'
there all similarity ended. Merton
was the dignified and soliciuous hos'
---nothing more. And in all the
stories had read, the artist made
love TO the lady before the luncheon
was finished.
We had a delightful lunch. Roberi
| had really outdone himself AnC
we fingered over it, laughing anc
talking, for over an hour. Then, al
J Celeste had also finished her mea
I tseFved IN the datntlIy clean kitch
en,) We started horr~-.