Vernon Parish Democrat., 1922-04-27


she had indicated without a word that
he might walk beside her. The serv-
ice had been Unattended, and the few
women who drifted away from 1t did
not walk In their direction, so they
found themselves alone
Harriet opened the conversation
with a frank yet reluctant confession.
''Pm so sorry, RoyI But 1t is only
fair to you to say that I've changed.
You will have to do what you think
fit about' it, Of course. But I can't
pretend that Tm-Pm playing your
game any longer"
"What gamer" Blondin, falling into
graceful step beside her, asked pleas
antly.
IT mean any possible-idea you
might have of Ninal" Harriet said,
bravely.
"Oh, Ninal" he shrugged his shoul-
ders lightly. Don't take me too seri-
ously, Harriet" he said. "Why, when
ever we are alone together, should you
promptly begin to cross-question me
about that little personT
Harriet made a faint, impatient
ejaculation.
"Well, anyway, you know where I
stand ~ she said.
"And you know where do" he an
swered, after pause. II can see Car
ter has no. particular enthusiasm for
mel suppose that's your work"
"You know where I stand" she
could only repeat. They had reached
the garden now, and were at the foot
Of the steps.
IL don't quite see how you can take
that tone," Blondin limited. "Do you
expect to marry the boy"
Harriet did not answer, except by
a faint shrug. Her heart was sick
with fright, but there was no reason
why he should be informed that she
had definitely broken with Ward. But
he had never come so near a threat
before.
"Of course 1 am entirely at your
mercy" she said, simply. Blondin
watched her for a full moment Of si-
lence before he said suddenly:
"Look here. I'll make a bargain
| Will HOus IL yOu WILL FCOn6ChL hOL "
make any allusion to-well, to ten
years ago, I'll do the same. I'll give
you my solemn promise on 1t. Say
what you please about me now. You're
under no bond to protect me. can
hold my own. But the past is dead.
: Neither you nor I will speak Of 1t
without agreeing to do so. How about
it?"
She hesitated, the black lashes
dropped, her restless hands twisting
and torturing her handkerchief. 1t
protected her. she thought, while leav.
ing her free to oppose him.
'Tn agree" she said, finally.
'Promise?"
"Oh, promise" /" She bit her lip, and
frowned, as if she would add some
thing more. But no words came, only
her troubled eyes met his fully and
splendidly for a second.
Then with a brief, familiar nod she
turned, and without another word
went into the house.
The morning dragged. 1t was dry
and hot, with promise Of a storm
later.
Madame Carter's breakfast had been
sent upstairs, and Mrs. Tabor had
Joined her, for when the old lady sent
q message to Harriet, the two women
were together, In elaborate negligee,
and a litter Of Sunday papers was
scattered about the beautiful bedroom.
Upon Harriet's entrance Mrs. Tabor
gracefully rose to go, but she paused
for a pleasant good morning.
Alone with her determined old en-
envy, Harriet assumed her usual air
Of respectful readiness. Madame Car
ter had sent for herr
eyes," said the old lady, looking
aimlessly about her before gathering
her garments together, and sinking
into a chair. II wanted you to know
that the young people propose to
drive to Easthampton, at about two
o'clock-my granddaughter has been
here, teasing Granny for the plan, and
|. / have consented. They will dine
there and be back at about-well,
after dinner"
"But won't that tire youi" Harriet
asked.
"IP Oh, l shall not go. Ward viii
chaperOn his sister, and Nina, Amy,
Mr.. Biondln will see that they get
home in time. It's quite all right, Miss
Field; am entirely satisfied. They
"But, Madame Carter!" Harriet In
terrupted her as she had expected to
be interrupted. Surely It would be
better"
, "we won't discuss it, please, Miss
Fieldi"
Harriet's cheeks reddened; she was
silent.
II mean that you and 4 shall
, quietly get married In 4 few
-- !.