Judsonia weekly advance., 1922-04-13
CHAPTER vi.

A most opportune lull followed,
when Harriet Field had time to collect
her thoughts. and get a true perspec-
tive upon the events of the past week.
Nina was leaving for a visit to Amy
Hawkes., at the extremely dull and en-
tirely safe Hawkes. mansion, where
four unmarried daughters constituted
a chaperonage beyond all criticism
Isabelle Carter was giving and attend
ing the usual luncheons and dinners.
her husband absorbed in an especially
important business deal that kept him
alternate nights in the city. The house
was quiet, the domestic machinery
running smoothly, the weather hot,
sulphurous and enervating.
She dined as usual alone that eve
ming, and was surprised at about eight
o'clock, to receive the demure notifica-
ton from Rosa that Mrs. Carter would
like to see her. With hardly an in
stants delay she went downstairs.
On the terrace outside the drawing
room windows they were at a card ia
Bile: Richard, looking tired and hot in
rumpled white, Isabelle exquisite In
silver lace, and young Anthony Pope.
Near by, Madame Carter majestically
fingered some illustrated magazines.
1t appeared that they wanted bridge;
it was too hot to eat, too hot to dance
at the club, too hot-said Isabelle
pathetically-to live
Obligingly, Harriet took her place,
cut for the deal. But her eyes had not
fallen upon the group before she
sensed that something was wrong and
she had moments flutter Of the heart
for fear some one suspected her, that
she was under surveillance. Had
Royal-had Ward
She turned a card, took the deal.
found Anthony Pope her partner, and
entered into the game with spirit.
richards first words to her were reas-
surfing; If there was constraint here,
she was not involved in it.
No trump-says little Miss Field.
Well, that doesn't seem to brighten me.
Two spades"
A''iAih VIC ihiSul lily Three QlH-
monds, Miss Field" Anothony said,
gravely and pleasantly, and Harriet
felt herself acquitted of any apprehen-
sion in that direction as we'll. 1t only
remained for Isabelle to show friend
illness.
"Du hast diamonten and perlen,
you two. l can see that! You're
down, Harriet" Mrs. Carter said,
thoughtfully. Harriet began thorough
~ 10 enjoy herself. If they were all
furious, at least it was not with her
she speculated, as she gathered in
ner TRICKS. Was it conceivable that
hlehard did not enjoy the discovery
oI the tete-a-tete dinner? But Isabelle
iau OFTEN been equally indiscreet, and
lie mad never seemed to resent II he
lore. Harriet knew that Isabelle was
III at ease; she suspected that Tony
was FURIOUS The old lady was OBJ
Viousiy quivering with batfied inter
est and curiosity.
after three rubbers the game ended
suddenly; Richard said he had some
letters 10 write and was keepinp Fox
waiting In the library; ANTHONY scr,h-
pied check, said brief and unfr,end.
~ good-nights; Isabelle merely raisod
passionate dark eyes to his She wos
languidly gathering in her snoiIs
wneh the lights of his car flashed vol.
wv vi .he drive and he was gone
~ i !. 10 afterward Richard
oas'er said goodnight to his mothar |
ana wife, and went in to his studu
Madame Carter followed him IN ana
went upstairs, but Isabelle so+ ~
moody shufling and reshuf1ing 4b n
t t' In the bright soft light Of th ho
terrace lamps. ' VI 'ie
Wait a minute, Harriet" she sofa
priefy, and Harriet obedientlv Io,+o.
But Isabelle seemed to have noth,as
10 say Her eyes were on the CARDS
ner beautiful breast. exposed IN ~
low-eut silver gown. rose and o.. .,u
s.ornily' and Harriet saw that she w..
ol'ing her full under lip, as If ano.r
seethed strong within her.