Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1919-03-22

Gerty looked younger and prettier
Her flush accentuated her childish fea-
lures which were smiling down her an
noyance over this unlimited visit.
eve have all the home comforts,
haven't we? Why shouldn't we be COM
Portable when we are to be here for
months2 I'm going to brave it QUITO
the bitter end, even if bake. 1t is my
duty" She would make her intention
perfectly clear! "There ought to be at
least one cozy place, one soft nook
that suggests woman's presence. We
have tea here in the afternoon, some
times. Mr.. Rickard drops in" The
last was delicate stroke.
Afternoon tea? At the Front? Is
this modern warfare?" The girl draped
her irony with a smile.
Gerty was stealing pleased survey
in the mirror through the rough door
that opened into the division called
her bedroom. The sunburned, uncon-
scious profile Of Innes was close to her
own. Pink and golden the head by the
dark one. She looked younger even
than Innes! Good humor returned to
her.
1--WE are going to dine on the Delta
tonight" She pinned up "scolding
lock-" an ugly misnomer for her sunny
clinging curls! The mirror was requi-
sitioned again. 'That's the name Of
the new dredge. 1t was christened
three weeks ago, in champagne
brought from Yuma"
"You said dine on the Delta. Do you
mean they have meals there?"
"You should see it," cooed Gerty.
"It's simply elegant. It's floating
hotel, has every convenience. The
camp cook, Ling, has his hands full"
"Golng to wear that?" They were
standing now by the door of Gerty's
dressing tent. Over the bed white
lingerie gown was spread.
II live in them. It's so hot" shrugged
Mrs. Hardin.
"Pll look like your maid, Gerty" In
nes' exclamation was rueful. II didn't
bring anything but khakis. Oh, yes !
remember throwing in, the last minute,
two piques to fill up space"
"Why, we have dances on the Delta,
and Sunday evening concerts. You
knew the work at Laguna dam is being
held up? The government men of the
Reclamation Service are down here all
the time. But it's time to be getting
ready"
I Later Tom fatty refused to accom-
pany them.
II thought as much" Gerty shrugged
an airy irresponsibility. Innes could
detect no regret.
They passed cot outside the tent.
"Who sleeps there?"
"Tom." The eyes Of the two women
did not meet.
Innes made no comment.
''He finds the tent stuffy." Gerty's
lips were prim with reserve. They
walked toward the river in silence. AS
they reached the encampment, Gerty
recovered her vivacity.
'That's Mr.. Richards office, that
ramnda. Isn't 1t quaint? And that's
his tent; no, the other one. MacLean's
is next; there's Junior, now."
But his eyes were too full of Innes to
see Gerty's dimples. The difference In
the quality of his greetings smote Gerty
like blow. And she had never con
sldered Toms sister attractive, as q
possible rival. Yet, after a handshake
she saw that to MacLean, Jr. she did
not exist,
Gerty was deeply piqued. Until now,
the field had been hers. She might per.
haps have to. change her opinion Of
Toms sister. Boys, she had to con.
cede, the younger men, might find her
, attractive, toy.shly ccngenial; older
men would fail 10 see a charm!
The arrangement at table annoyed
Gerty. The hess. MaeLean explained
gaily, woIld rot be there for dinner.
He might come in later. Two men from
the Reclamation Service tried to enter
tain Mrs Hardin. ---- = '------