The Elk Mountain pilot., 1922-04-20

II think you'll have wonderful NV,
months of It," Harriet snid. "and tier
Granny'll be coming West, TO spend I'll,
winter in Santa Barbara, too! An,
now, Nina love, it's after eevei
O'clock" she ended with change o
tone. ''and you have had terrbl,
dayi We will have to do some NOR,
shopping tomorrow afternoon. and tr.
on the riding habits and do thousnn,
things. And, Nina" Richard heard he
add tenderly, when his daughter had
given him rather sober goodnight
kiss at the door Of her room, when
ever you feel sad and depressed about
1t, just remember to say to yourself
This won't last In few months tile
sting will all be gonel"
NINA is in safe hands," Richard
said to himself, thankfully, as he
closed the door. He carried memory
of Harriet's earnest eyes, her low. ca
ger voice. her encouraging arm about
Nina's shoulders.
They were all at breakfast when he
came down the next morning. His
mother, in one of her lacy, flowing
robes she always wore before noon
laid down letter half-read, to smile
at him. Ward, his dark head very
sleek above his Informal summer cos
tune. was deep in talk with Bruce
Hopper. who had evidently ridden oveI
from the country club. and was In
well-fitting. shabby jersey that became
his somewhat lanky frame. Nina.
somewhat silent but interested in ev-
erything, wore an expression of quie
self-possession that her father found
touching. Nina was growing up, he
thought.
Completing the group. and officiat'
ing at the foot of the table, was the
radiant Harriet. She looked as fresh
as one of the creamy rosebuds that
were massed in the dull blue bowl be-
fore her. her shining hair framing the
dusky forehead like dull gold wings
the frail sleeves of her blue gown fall
ing back from her rounded arm.
You're late. my son." said Madame
Carter. as he kissed her temple.
"Never mind" Harriet said serenely
1--WE just this instant come, and he
saves my facet Do turn that toast,
Ward p she added And to the maid,
"AIr Carriers fruit. Mollie please'
Breakfast was the least formal of
all the informal meals at Crownlands.
/ Bottomley was never in evidence until
the late luncheon mail and newspa-
| pers. and the morning gaiety of the
young people all made for cheerful dis
i order
''lf you're going into town at ten.
Father. wen go. too" Nina suggested,
"But | can't" she was heard to muir
mur in an undertone to the disappoint-
ed Bruce, Il have to get clothes, don't
II"
"Oh, Brazil-Brazll-- Brazil !" the
youth said, disgustedly. 81 hate the
sound of 1t -
These clothes are for the ranch"
Nina said, smiling Both her father
and Harriet augured well from the
youths instantly transformed face.
"Say-honestly? he asked. inelo
quently. with an irrepresslble grin.
II think So" Nina murmured. The
rest of their conversation was inaudi-
BILE; they presently wandered forth to
followed his grandmother upstairs, and
Harriet and Richard were left to fin
ish their breakfast alone.
you look tired" Harriet said, ris-
ing. when his omelette came in, and
pausing beside the head of the table
for an instant on her way to the
pantry.
Il had bad night" Richard ad-
mtted. But that's not all you're GO
ing to have for breakfast?" he pro
tested.
Il never have more!" Harriet
smiled. I'm sorry about the bad
night" said she.
Il couldn't help thinking" Rich
ard began. "What is 1t, Mollie?" he
added harshly. to the lowering maid.
"Nothing-no matter-sir," Molle
stammered, retreating. "It was just
that the man about the sheep came
sir" she faltered
"The sheep!r Richard echoed,
frowning. Harriet laughed gayly.
"Oh. yes!" she said. Il told you
had ordered two or three young
Sheep" she explained, to keep our
lawns cropped. They look so adora
BILE, and they do it so nicely Has he
got them, Mollie?" she added. eagerly
"oh, | must see them I'll he back in
exactly five minutes, Mr.. Carter" she
said.
what are we supposed to do with
them in winter?" Richard asked, smll-
Ing.
''oh, they will have little-a little
byre !" she answered, readily. You'll
you'll like them' And he heard
her joyous voice following Mollle
away.
Richard pushed back his plate and
looked irresolutely after her. Then
suddenly he rose and walked through