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

TALLY into her confidence. Would he
please be a darling, and see that there
was no nonsense? She could not well
cross his grandmother and Nina with
out his father to back her. Would he
promise her that they would be home
by ten o'clock, at latest.
Somewhat comforted by Wards af-
fectionate loyalty, Harriet went up to
| dress for the one o'clock luncheon, and
while she was dressing a new idea
came to her. For few minutes she
face of distaste.
II could do that !" she said aloud
And she picked up the Bingham dress
that she had laid on the bed.
But there was a prettier dress in
Harriet's wardrobe, gift from Isa-
belle, that she had never worn. 1t
was Powered silk of null, of soft
deep blue that was exactly the color
of Harriet's eyes, and at the throat
and wrists 1t had frills Of transparent
lace. The soft ruffles that made the
skirt were cunningly edged with black,
and there was a great open pink rose
at the belt.
Harriet put on this enchanting gar
ment, and as she did so she felt some
half-forgotten power rise strong with
In her. There was one trump In her
hand that she had never thought to
play In game with Nina Carter, but
she was glad to find 1t now.
hol or fu.o ofolnolr tbo oar x.voe
at the side door, and Nina and Amy
came downstairs with their wraps,
and Saunders and Ward ran about
laughing and confusing things. Blon-
din watched the performance lazily
from a basket chair on the porch. but
when Nina called him a half-laughing,
balf-daring, Were ready. Mr.. Blon-
dinw he sauntered down to the car
with his pleasantest expression, but
with the regretful statement that he
was not going: vicious headache had
developed since luncheon.
Whatever the effect on Amy and the
young men, to Nina this was stag
gering blow. She had triumphed all
through luncheon, had laughed and
chartered, had made Ward telephone
a dinner reservation for five, and had
assumed a hundred coquettish airs.
Now all this crumpled, faded away,
and Harriet knew, as she stood be-
side the car looking down at the folded
light rug on her arm. that she was
ready to cry.
mo, you'll have far nicer time |
without me-" said Royal, throwing
away his cigarette, and resting one
arm on the car. 81 wouldn't interfere,
because l knew you'd all give It up |
You just all have a perfectly wonder
full time, and I'll be down next week
end and hear about lti'
Nina stood irresolute too choked
with sudden disappointment to risk
her voice. 1t was all hateful, madden
Ing, HORRIBLE Those two boys and
Amy-ah, there would be no "fun"
now She loathed Amy, getting In so
'riskly, and saying, "Come on. Nina p
She hated Ward, she wished that they
we're all dead, and herself, too.
The storm came at Good Ground,
md they all had to scramble with cur
aims. "smelly" curtains, Nina called
hem. And the dinner was eaten in
warm, sticky half-darkness on a hotel
orch. with horrible music making a
orrible racket, according to the same
uthority. Saunders and Amy held
ands all the way home. too, and Nina
bought 1t was disgusting; everyone
ias too tired to talk, they bounced
long silently and GROSSLY.
And upon getting home, Miss Har
et came out of the shadows on the /
orch, looking perfectly exquisite I'm
err new gown, sweetly interested and !
leerful. She said that she was so ,
)rry the dinner was poor, they had
ad such a nice dinner at home. and
lat she had had talk with their ,
ther. and they were to go back to 7
rownlands next week. Nina did not {
e Blondin; for the first time in her q
'e she cried herself to sleep. a
Harriet had assuredly triumphed. y
1t it was on terms that for more q
an one reason did not entirely a
ease her. Richard, finding the I
city secretary prettier than ever In n
r blue gown, and warmed by a re- $
xed day at the club and mood of $
had specifically instruct T
her that she was to dine with the n
mily on all occasions. and to dress D
the others did, and to regard her fl
II as "a member of the family" And Z,
is. Harriet was quick to realize,
aced her in a peculiar position. made o
ficult by Richards kindly cham W
oning no less than his mothers hos
lily. by the adoring sympathy of the in
wants, and the affectionate famil- W
titles of the Carter children. Rich $,
Us friends took their cue from him.
was natural and in the first early OF
inter- dinner parties at Crownlands ir
rriet could not but sparkle and III
d; she had reached her own level 10
last. ht
\ sense Of well-being and happiness IL
,an to envelop Richard Carter for us
first time In many years He was
lsciOus of desire to express his ri