, 1922-06-14

she had Indicated without d word that
he might walk beside her. The serv-
ice had been Unattended, and the few
women h 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 dc what you think
fit about 1t. of course. But l can't
pretend that Tm-I'm playing your
game any longer"
What gamer" Blondin. falling into
graceful step beside her. asked pleas
antly.
81 mean any possible-idea you
might have Of Nina /" Harriet said.
bravely.
"Oh, Nina he shrugged his Shout
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 person."
Harriet made a faint, Impatient
ejaculation.
well. anyway, you know where I
stand" she said.
And you know where / do" he an
swered, after a pause. 81 can see Car
ter has no particular enthusiasm for
Ime-l suppose that's your work"
you know where / stand,r 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" BIondin 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 thai she
had definitely broken with Ward. But
he had eve come so near a threat
before. i
"of course 1 am entirely at your
mercy she said. simply. BIondIn
watched her for a full moment of ST.
lence before he said suddenly:
Look here. I'll make a bargain
with you. If you will consent not to
make any allusion towel. to ten
years ago.. I'll do the same. III 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 o l 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.
I'll agree she said. finally.
"Promise?"
"Oh. ] promise y She bit her lin. and
frowned. as If she would add some
thing o But no words came, only
her troubled eyes met his fully and
splendidly for Il second.
Their 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 Carriers breakfast had been
sent upstairs, and Mrs. Tabor had
joined her, for when the old lady sent
a 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 60, 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 her?
YES" 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 youfg people propose to
drive to E~asthampton, at about two
o'clock-my granddaughter has beer
here, teasing Granny for the plan. and
have consented. They win dine
there and be back at about-well.
after dinner
But wont that tire your" Harriet
asked.
II? Oh. I shall not go. Ward viii
chaperon HIS sister, and Nina. ANY.
MIR. Blondln will see that they get
home in time. It's quite all right, Miss
Field; l am entirely satisfied. They
But, Madame Carterl" Harriet I'm.
terrupted her as she had expected to
be interrupted. Surely 1t would be
better"
I'VE won't discuss it, please, Miss
Fieldi"
Harriet's cheeks Redeemed she was
silent.