Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1921-03-26

ing quickly and lightly. "Clarence is
here. Where in the name Of every
thing sensible is Billy?".
"Clarence" said Rachael. uncem-
Portable %premonition clutchins at her
,,heart.
! Yes; you come and talk to him,
Rachael" Mrs. Whitaker said, In the
same quick undertone.S Hes all
right, of course, but he's just a little
oh, if he wouldn't do these
things!" Rachael said ap%prehensive-
ifortable-Joe Butler was coming in
to see him! It does exasperate me
SO! However,"
"of course it does. but we all know
Clarence" Mrs. Whitaker uaid
soothingly. He seems to have got it
into his head that Billy You go
talk to him. Rachael. and I'll send
her in" s
"Billy's doing no harm! What did
he say?" Rachael asked impatiently.
"oh. nothing definite. of course.
but as soon as I said that Billy was
here-he'd asked if she was-he said,
here, tool"
Hes the one person in the world
afraid of talk about Billy. yet if he
starts it, he "a blame no one but
himself" Rachael said. as she turned
toward the adjoining room. An un-
expected ordeal like this always an
noyed her. She was equal to it, of
course: she could smooth Clarence's
ruff1ed feelings, keep a serepe front
~ home before the storm: she had
done 1t many times before But it
was SO unnecessary! It was 40 un-
necessary to-hxhibit the Breckenridge
weaknesses before the observant
Emorys. before that uncomfortable
old gossip Peter Pomeroy. and to the
cool, plying gaze of all her world.
She found Clarence the centre of a
small group in the long drawing
drinking cocktails; the others-Jean-
cite Vanderwall, Vera v%illalonga, a
flushed, excitable woman older than
Rachael, and Jimmy and Estelle
Hoyt-had refused the drink, but
were adding much noise and laughter
to the newcomers welcome.
Hello, Clarence" Rachael said,
appraising the situation rapidly as
she came up. 'I would have waited
GOMEZ"
IT just-iust thought I would
look in" Clarence said slowly but
steadily. Didn't want to miss any
thing. You all seem to be having
having a pretty good time"
IT'S been a lovely tea" Rachaei
assured him enthusiastically. But
I'm just going. Billy's out here on
the porch with a bunch Of young
Don't let Frank give you any more 81
that stuff, Clancy. Stop it. Frank!
ache!'' NJ
The tone was irreproachablyS casual
and cheerful. but Clarence scowled at
his wife significantly. His dignity, az
he answered. was tremendous.
II can judge pretty we'll Of what
hurts me and what doesn't, thank
you, Rachael. he said coldly, with a
Hook ominous with warning
4. That's just what you can't, dear
Mrs. Whitaker. who had Joined the
group. said pleasantly. Take that
stun away, Frank. and don't be 70
silly! II Frank" she added to the
noon himself he wouldn't bs such an
Greg a y he'll take us home,
fc%larence." Rachael said. in 4 matter
oflfact tone. IT'S a shAmeato carry
you on when you've just got here,
.whsrs's 'Billyr Clarence. asked
.tgtubbornly.
Right here!' his wife answered
reassurinely. And to her great relief
.lBlly substantiated the statement ~
coming up to them. = little uneasy
as her stepmother was. over her Ia
,1ther's appearance. yet confident that
there was no real cause for 9 scene.
Ito get him home a fast as possihle,
and let the trouble, whatever II
might be-, breaks there. Wa1sSsthe
Thought In bothstheir minds.
"Had enough ltea, Monksyrs raid
Rachael pleasantly, aware OF her
husbands sulphurotis gaxeysbut care
fully ignoring T.. Then say day.day
tot Aunt Gerffude!!. d
III GREG takes you home. send AL
fred back With the runabnut Ia me
y Billy s~uggested.
Nsosthst . can stay 4 lttle long
!. efa said Clarsnee.. In - ut1ys