Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1919-12-31
CHAPTER VII

resolutlon not to sit and NOPE
while Hugh Rodney was away.
Always fond of society, this Au-
tumn she seemed to enjoy it more
than ever. Ruth was sometimes
bored by teas, dances and recep-
tions. Not so her sister.
Ruth is younger than l am, yet
she actually behaves as if she were
older" Doris confined one evening
to VIII Dayton, with whom she
was dancing. Don't you think
she is very grave for her age?"
Young Dayton hesitated before
answering. why, no l do not
he said at last. flush of embar-
rassment on his face. "I think she
is quite natural"
Doris smiled to herself. She had
suspected that this fellow was in
love with Ruth, and his words con-
firmed her suspicion.
We'll, she is dear. anyway
: even if she is wiser and more Sc
date than l am she commented.
The man said no more and Doris
was rather glad when the foX-trot
ended and Will Dayton claimed
, Ruth for the next waltz. Doris
watched her sister and felt a
slight pang of pity for the man
when his eager greeting brought
no flush of pleasure TO Ruth's face
Doris. on her part, turned to well
come Ralph Norton, her partner
for this dance.
II am glad to have you after Mr..
DAYTON" she smiled. "He bores me
stiff
"He does not bore Miss Ruth -
Norton remarked. 81 have been
wondering if they are going TO make
match of it,
"Oh. I don't know, Doris said.
II rather hope that Ruth Will not
decide too soon on the man she will
marry. 1t is a bit of mistake
isn't it?-for girl to be engaged
fast and firm too early in the ac-
ton. 1t is always possible that she
may change her mind, you know.
without seeming to do so, she
cast a scrutinizing glance at hef
companion. She saw the grim
clenching of the teeth under the
dark moustache. and felt thrill
of satisfaction at this outward evil
dence of his inward perturbation.
II wonder how much you know
about that" he asked very low
perhaps YOU will honor me by Civ
ing me your confidence some time"
Purposely she had led him on to
wonder if she were engaged. Not
by open assertion, but by sugges-
tions that had awakened his alarm
and curiosity
For she knew that he was falling
in love with her. The knowledge
was agreeable. Surely the fact that
she was betrothed to Hugh Rodney
did not mean that other men must
avoid her. 1t was not her fault if
they succumbed to her charm. Yet.
of course, she loved Hugh best of
all.
Later, in her own room, she said
as much to Ruth.
The girls had stopped on the sec
ond floor to bid their mother good
night. for Mrs. Courtney made it
her boast that she "never slept a
wink until both the children wee
safe at home
You had a good time, did you?'
Il will tell YOU about it tomorrow.
Go to sleep now
Then. closing the door between
her mothers room and her own, she
beckoned her sister into her sane
tum.
stay here for a few minutes" ."
she urged. 81 want to talk about
the dance. suppose you know
that Will Dayton is in love with
you. don't you?''
Did he tell you so?" Ruth par
ried smilingly. She did not like the
speech, but would not show her
disapproval.
NO. of course not" Doris laughed.
But, ] can see it-just as plainly,
by the way, as | can see that Ralph
Morton is in love with me-.
Her sisters smile faded.
Dear" she suggested. "is it quite
fair to let him care for you when
you know, YOU can never return his
feeling.
OF course I can't-since | love
Hugh so much" Doris affirmed
But it's fair enough for Ralph
knows that ! am engaged.
Ruth started. Does he?" she
exclaimed. I thought ii was to be
kept secret for a while"
$50 it is-and he will never say
word about it. | did not tell him
of it until this evening, But |
thought il best-for reasons of my
own-to let him know. lie prom
ised to keep quiet about it-and
am certain that he will
"Oh, I Sect Ruth rejoined, her
voice softened.
She thought she understood why
Doris had confined in young Nor
ton. 1t was because she thought ii
only kind to let him understand
| tHdl Sile Couiu never toIc lOi NM
Yet when. few nights later
Doris accepted an invitation from
Ralph Norton to go to "A concert
with him, Ruth was vaguely un-
com Portable. She said nothing. but
Doris felt her lack of sympathy
for she asked abruptly.
You do not approve OF my ac-
cepting Ralph's invitation, do you
! Ruthie ?"
''It is no affair of mine, dear sis
/ ter" Ruth reioined. "Only if the
man is in love with you. it but adds
fuel to the flame to be with you?'
NO" was tho blunt rejoinder.
Yet YOU accept attentions from
I him" Doris accused.
But ] am not engaged to some
i one else" her sister said.
| "I told you that Ralph knows OF