The Jasper news. [volume] (Jasper, Missouri) 1898-1924, 1922-03-02

dressing. 10 the hot bnthhouse little
later. that sudden thought came to
her, and flushed the lovely face again,
and brought her to a sudden pause.
A tremendous thought, that made
her brenst rise suddenly, and her eyes
fix themselves vaguelyson space for
q long, long minute. Her palms were
:dnmp. md she put them over her hot
cheeks. But that--siie whispered IN
the deeps Of her soul, that was nom
sense
Biondin had been waiting for Har-
riet ut The church door Coming out,
she had Indicated without word that
he might walk beside her The serv-
Ice had been Unattended, and the few
women Who drifted away from It did
not walk IN their direction, so they
found themselves alone.
Harriet opened the conversation
with frank yet rcluctpnt confession.
I'm 50 sorry. Roy.i But 1t is only
fair to you TO say that I've changed
You will have to do what you think
at about II, OF course. But can't
pretend that rm--I'm playing your
game any longer
"Whnt gamer" Blondin, falling into
graceful step beside her, asked pleas
antly.
II mean any possible-idea you
might have of Nina !" Harriet said,
bravely.
"Oh. Ninal' he shrugged his shout
ders lightly. "Don't tnke me too seri-
ously, Harriet" he said. "Why. when
ever we are alone together, should you
promptly begin to cross-questiop me
about that little person.,
Harriet made q faint, impatient
ejaculation.
We'll anyway. you know wherc I
sfandi" she said.
And you know where do" he an
swered, after a pause. II can see Car
ter has no particular enthusiasm for
mel suppose that's your work."
".You know where l stand" she
could only repeat They had reached
the garden now. and were at the foot
Of the steps.
II don't quite see how you can take
that tone" BIondin limited. do You
expect tU marry the boy?"
Harriet did not answer. except by
u faint shrug. Her heart was sick
with fright, but there was no reason
why he should be Informed that she
had definitely broken with Ward. But
he had never come so near threat
before.
"of course am entirely at your
Mercy she said. simply. Blondin
watched her for full moment Of ST.
lence before he said suddenly:
Look here. Ill make bargain
with you. II you will consent not tn
make any aIlusIon lowell. to ten
years ago, I'll do the same. I'll give
you my solemn promise on it. 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 nor / will speak OF It
without agreeing TO do so. How about
itY"
She besitated, >the black lashes
dropped, her restless hands twisting
aud torturlng her handkerchief. II
protected her, she thought, while leav-
Ing her free to oppose him.
'Tll agree" she snId, finally.
"Promiscg"
"oh, promised" She bit her lip, and
frowned, as II she would add some
thing more. But no words came. only
her troubled eyes met his fully and
splendidly for a second
Madame Carriers breakfast had been
sent upstairs. and Mrs. Tabor had
Joined her. for when the old lady sent
message TO Harriet, the two women.
were together, In elaborate negligee.
and litter OF Sunday papers was
scattered about the beautiful bedroom.
Upon Harriet's entrance Mrs. Tabor
gracefully rose TO go. 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 herr
"Yes." said the old lady. looking
ainlessiy about her before gathering
her garments together. and sinking
into chair II wanted you 10 know
that the young people propose to
drive TO Easthampton, at about two
o'clock-my granddaughter has been
here, teasing Granny for the plan, and
/ have consented. They viii dine
there and be back at about-well,
after dinner"
"But won't that tire your Harriet
asked.