The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1919-03-25

ment when RArdin pushed back his
plate declaring he had reached his
limit; it was too big spread for him
1t was the stupid rudeness Of the
small bad boy; even Innes flushed for
her sister-in-law.
With resolution Gerty assumed con-
troll Of the conversation. Her role
sounded casual; no one could have
suspected it of frequent rehearsal.
They must not talk Of the river; that
was taboo. Railroad matters were
also excluded. Equally difficult
would be "reminiscences Of Lawrence
days. So she began brightly with a
current book. The theater proved q
safe topic, and by that natural route
they reached New York. Innes, who
had never been farther east than Chi
cago, was grateful to play audience.
Hardin, who knew his New York per
haps. better than either, refused to be
drawn !lto the gentle stream.
Things must be kept sprightly. Had
MIR. Rickard met many Of the valley
people? And It was then that sh'
threw her bomb toward the listening
silent Hardins. She would like MIR
Richard to meet some Of their friends
He said that he would be delighted
but that he was planning to leave
shortly for the Heading.
"Of course" She did not give hel
husband time to speak. She mean
afterward! She was planning to give
something q bit novel in his honor
She refused to see the glare from the
angry man. in his outgrown dinner
coat. She did not glance toward the
sister. What did Mr.. Richard think
about progressive ride?
1T sounds very entertaining, but
what do you do?"
There was a loud guffaw from Tom
With deepened color Gerty told her
IDEA. A drive, changing partners, so
he could meet all the guests.
II think it will surprise you to find
so many nice people in here; it GER
tainly did me. One doesn't expect to
find co1genial people in a new country
like this"
Rickard remembered that he had
to get back to his hotel. He had let
ters to write. 1t had been splendid
dinner! And what q wonderful home
she had made out Of sand-baked lot,
out of tent! He spoke Of the roses
and the morning glories. His eyes
fell on the open piano, the reading
table with the current magazines.
Now he couldn't understand why they
aver went to that hotel!
Gertys eyes we.e shining as deep
pools of water on which the sun plays.
She looked almost infantile as she
stood by the two tall men, her head
perched birdlike. "Good-by! and I
hope you'll come again"
Of course he'd come again!
"And you will let me know when
you return, so that I may set the date
for my party?"
Inncs did not get his answer. She
had been observing that he was not
taller than her brother. He looked
taller. He was lean, and Tom was
growing stocky. She wished he would
not slouch SO, his hands in his pock-
cts! In Tucson, before she knew that
she must dislike Richard, she had had
an impression Of virile distinction, of
grace, a suggestion of mastered mus
cles. He had known that it was her
brother he was supplanting-did he
get any satisfaction from the fact that
it was the husband Of the woman who
had Tilted him? Anyway, she did not
like him. She could never forgive q
hurt that was done to her own. She
was Hardin.
"Innes! Mr.. Rickard said good
night"
She gave him the tips Of her cool,
Drowned fingers. Her eyes did not