The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1922-02-10

gan, ON fresh track, that you and
the boy might fancy each other. I'm
not satisfied with Ward. He needs an
anchor. That would be a solution for
us ALI" 1t was random shot. but
to his surprise she flushed brightly.
"'Ward knows that there is no
chance of that" she said, quickly,
dearly as love him"
Richards eyes widened with whim-
steal amusement again.
$50 you've refused Ward. have
your"
Long ago." she answered simply.
The man laughed; but moment later
his face grew dark and troubled again
as he said:
Il hardly know what to dol The
girl is the first consideration, Of
course, and she needs you. ! feel that
she is not only safe. but happy, when
you are here. I've unfortunately
reached place where I've got to feel
free. You've heard us all talk of this
new asbestos merger-my dear girl,
that will keep me going like a slave
for months. perhaps years l won't
know when l am to be home, or what
I shall have to cancel. ! suppose /
can't convince you how badly we need
you. My mother-well. she has always
taken life that way; she can't change
now. l shall have Ida Tabor as a fix
ture here, / suppose, Nina running
wild, Ward never home You-you
give me exactly what l want here
Good dinners, fires, hospitality, good
report from Nina and Ward; l can
bring men home, l can" He unused,
with smile touching his fine. tired
face. 'In short, wish there was some
fortunate young man somewhere to
make you Mrs. Smith or Jones, Miss
Field, and let you come back to the
Carriers Immediately again -
Harriet laughed, sighed sharply i'm
mediately upon the laugh.
unfortunately, there isn't such a
man." she said And she added, even
a widow, sometimes, Is vulnerable"
Richard smiled, but some sudden
thought made the smile but an absent
one, and he sat quite obviously plunged
In meditation for long minute.
Here's another suggestion, Miss
Field" he said suddenly, looking up.
II don't know how this will strike
you; 1t has occurred to me before.
Gardiner limited it-or l thought he
did. and the more l think of 1t the
more possible 1t seems. You are a
business woman and l am a business
man. You know exactly what l am,
exactly what occurred In my married |
life, after twenty-five years. That
that sort of thing Is over, of course. !
But there is that way Of settling it, if |
you care to consider it"
He paused, with a questioning look
of encouragement, embarrassment and
affectionate interest. Harriet had
grown pale and had fixed her eyes
upon his as If under a spell.
"You mean" Her voice failed
her.
II mean marriage. / mean that you
and I shall quietly get married in q
few weeks, when I am free" he an
swered. 81 have just indicated to you
what 1t would mean to me. l hope"
he added, watching her closely, as she
sat stunned and silent, 81 hope that ii
would also have its advantages to you.
Your position then would be unques-
tionable my mother-Nina-the world.
would have nothing to say. Your in
huence on Ward is the one thing that
may save the boy. OF Nina we've
already spoken. My MOTHER know
her would Immediately become the
hampton of her sons WIFE There
would be three days buzzing-that
would end itl'
The swift uprushing of JOY in Har-
lets heart was accompanied with the
irst agonies of reconciliation. was per-
laps all the more poignantly sweet
because of them. She had not come |
o this hour without knowing what he
aeant TO her. this quiet man with the
plendid mouth and the keen gray
yes. and she trembled now with an
xquisite emotion that seemed to
rown out all the past and all the fu-
except that she loved
i'm and he needed her. But when she +,
poke It was as coolly as he:
'Mr. Carter-what Of your wife?" /.
His eyes met hers YEARLY. /,
divorce proceedings were insti- :,
lted Immediately II was definitely es- i
iblished she had gone with young =
ope. The decree will be absolute" \
But that will not-cannot alter the :,
tuation-" Harriet faltered. ;,
You mean" the man hesitated.
fou mean you-that you regard me =,
, married still?" !,
Harriet, mute with emotions abso- n
rely overpowering, nodded without n,
,eaking !,
"Will you-will you let me think .,
,Out III" she faltered. A sudden n,
'ightness came into his face. "You !,
low how was brought up to think 10
divorce" she went on pleadingly. n,
We made plenty of mistakes in my .,
e. but I've never deliberately done &,
hat felt was wrong"
'And this would Beg" Richard asked
,wly.
"Well-I haven't thought about II I" or