Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1919-06-28
CHATTER XXVII.


Desiree hung up the receiver after
her telephone conversation with her
chauffeur. Her lips were compressed
and her dark eyes snapped. She was
much annoyed. Not because of the
slight accident to the car. That
might have been the result of care
lessness, which under ordinary cir
cumstances, she could have excused.
That the carelessness had been the
outcome of David's pre-occupation
with thoughts of Norah she was sure.
And this she found hard to accept
calmly.
She did not know why she should
be so indignant but she was. Had
1t been Cassidy who had been heed
less, had he been guilty of a lack
of courtesy to her guests, and he
stood by the front gate spooning-
yes, that was the word, spooning-
with her maid while two ladies wait
ed for the car-that would have been
bad enough.
But that Smith-whom she had sup
posed was a superior sort of fellow
should do this was most exasperat-
ing. She had mentally reviewed his
behavior repeatedly during the night
and each time she had been more
offended. Offended with him, of
course, but even more offended with
Norah.
The girl was angling for Smith, and
Smith was probably flirting with her.
Norah was a fool. Perhaps Smith
was a knave. Well, Norah's mistress
would warn the girl that she must
be more circumspect. She was too
pretty to be taken in by an unscrupu-
lous man.
So thoroughly does wounded pride
mask itself as regard for the safety
of another woman!
Difficult Problem
Yet, was Smith unscrupulous? De-
stree checked herself to ask this
question honestly. Might he not
really be in love with Norah? She
had told her father that the idea
was unthinkable. But was it?
She would almost rather believe
that Smith was flirting than that he
was falling in love with Norah. She
was sure they were not suited to
each other. And, somehow, Smith
was different.
Well, she could not discuss the mat
ter with him. That was out of her
province. But she could and would
put Norah on her guard.
So, when she was ready to dress
for the street, she rang for her maid
She had avoided any conversation
with her this morning-a fact that
Norah had noted with growing uneas-
mess.
"Norah," the mistress said now,
get out my dark blue suit and the
hat that goes with it,"
Norah obeyed, then stood waiting
to help Desiree dress.
81 do not need your assistance just
now" Desiree informed her. But
there is something l want to talk to
you about"
Yes me'am."
The voice was polite, but a pink
color began to creep into Norah's
face. Desiree. observing this, was
certain that the girl suspected what
the subject of the talk" was to be.
Il have told you before" she went
on, that 1 do not want you to try to
attract Smiths attention. You scarce
ly know him yet"
The pink color in Norah's face
deepened. Excuse me, please
ma'am," she ventured, but l am not
a girl as would try to attract any
young mans attention. That's not
my way. All advances must come
from the other side"
Miss Leighton raised her pretty
brows inquiringly. Then how did
it happen that you and Smith were
talking together late last night on
the sidewalk while my guests were
waiting for the car? Did he ask you
to meet him out there-or did you
suggest his doing so?"
Il didn't suggest him doing So"
the girl replied, a CLEAN of resent
ment coming to her eyes. LAS |
said, maam, I'm not that kind"
Another suggestion
Desiree was silent while she Slip
ped her skirt over her head and fas-