American Fork citizen. [volume] (American Fork, Utah) 1912-1979, 1922-06-10
CHAPTER XIV.

The curtains at the French windows
In the library at Crownlands stirred
In the breeze Of the warm summer
night, the pendulum Of the big clock
behind Richard Carter moved to and
fro. but FOR . long time there was no
other sound in the library. Richard
had dropped his eyes. was Idly staring
ct the blank sheet Of paper before
him. Royal Blondin, who had folded
his arms, for moment studied Har-
riet between half.closed lids, but pres
emily his eyes fell. too, and with
rather troubled expression he studied
the pattern Of the great oriental rug.
Harriet stood motionless, turned to
stone. II there was anything to be
said In her behalf. she could not say
II now. For the FIRST time the full
measure Of her responsibility and the
full measure Of her deceit smote her,
and IN utter sickness Of spirit she
could advance no excuse. 1t was not
that she had failed Blondln, or that
she had failed Richard, but the extent
OF her failure toward herself appalled,
her. She was not the good. brave, cul.
tivated woman she had liked to think
herself; she was one more egotist.
with Nina. and Isabelle. and Ida, un-
scrupulously playing her own game
for her own ends.
I'm extremely sorry" Richard said.
presently, in a somewhat lifeless tone.
II imagine that II my daughter had
known this, she might have been
spared some suffering and some hu.
initiation. But we needn't consider
that now" He was silent, fr0wning
'aIntly.i He put up fine hand and
cdjusted his eyeglasses with little
impatient muscular twitching Of his
whole face that Harriet knew to be
characteristic Of his worried moods.
Mr.. BlOndin." he said, YEARLY and
politely, II have had a great deal on
my mind, lately, and have perhaps
been hasty In my condemnation Of you.
However. this does not particularly
help your cause with my daughter
There are great many aspects to the
matter. and III must take time to con.
slider them. Nina must be my first
consideration. poor child! Her mother
failed her-we have all failed herr
She has a right to know Of this con
versation--"
Harriet stirred. and his eyes moved
10 her. Without word, and with Z
stricken look in her beautiful. usher
face, she turned. and went slowly
toward the door. When she reached
II, she steadied herself second By
pressing one fine hand against thu
dark wood. then she opened II and wal
gone.
I'm very sorry" Blondin said hest
fatingly, when the men were alone.
"Mrs. Carter" Richard said. get
ing to his feet. and very definitel.
,dlcnt,ng an end to the conversation
fore she consented TO thc-arrange
VI into which we entered. OF cours'
,ook me into her confidence In thi
mttcrp
"shc--she didr Royal stammered
Certainly she did," Richard said
harshly. And looking at him the othe
man saw that his face looked haggar
md eolerless. "She did not mentio
eur name, presume out Of sens
~ generosity to you. l could hav
yi,hcd," ne added, "that you had bee
Sminrly generous. and had seen 4
TO leave her, and leave my daughte
ilone. ! think must ask you to G,
use me-" said Richard at the dool
Ills tone was one of absolute suffocs
lon. II can see no object In you
rnnliness tonight. unless to dlstres
ana humiliate Mrs Carter. My daugl
.er. and not myself, is the one entltle
. your confidence, and you are we
aware Of my feeling where she is cor
'ernedl 1 would to God" said Rlci