Iron County record. [volume] (Cedar City, Utah) 1893-1982, 1922-03-24
CHAPTER xv--contlnued.


pleasant woman OF fifty, pathetically
grateful for his casual politeness in
her strangeness and shyness. He had
CHANGED, quite idly and accidentally.
20 make an impression on her. She
n promised to come to the studio
arQIDl6ok at his rugs.
Royal wondered why she dressed SO
badly; she needed simple materials
and flowing lines. He heard himself
telling her SO.
-
Richard sat on. on The terrace,
thinking. and presently his mother
came out and Joined him. Wasn't he.
the old lady asked deliberately, going
20 the cIub2 1t was almost FIVE
o'clock. her son reminded her. Two
or three OF his business associates
were coming to dinner; Hansen was
to drive them all into the city later.
Now, he just felt lazy.
mo tea today7" he asked presently.
People usually went to the club on
Sunday, said his mother. She added,
irrelevantly, that Harriet was asleep.
Richard said that she had looked tired
this morning; sleep was the best thing
for her.
But suddenly life became significant
and thrilling again; he heard her
voice, her laugh. She came swiftly
and quietly out to them, smiling at
him, settling herself In the chair be-
side his mother. She wore white.
transparent, simple: there were coral
beads about her firm young throat.
The dew OF her deep sleep made her
blue eyes wonderful; her cheeks were
as pink as baby's.
aren't the June days dellcious?"
she said. Richard studied her. smiling
ly, without answering. What would
she say next, where would she move
her eyes, or lay her white hand. he
wondered. When she murmured to his
mother In an undertone, he tried to
catch the words.
ibid you have n good sleep?" Rich
ard asked. She flashed him an elo-
quent look.
"Ob-the most delightful of my
whole lifel Eight hours without stir
ring"
The Hoyts >,rived; handsome
mother and two equally handsome
daughters. Harriet vert to them
gracefully; Richard saw that she vas
accepting good wishes. She took the
callers to his mother, and filed their
cups herself.
"She certainly is wonderful" Rich
ard said. He perfectly realized his
own suddenly deepening feeling fol
her, but he dared not analyZe Ii yet
When Mrs. Hoyt limited at dinner. he
took part In the conversation. Thurs
day. Why not, Harriet? We have nc
engagement for Thursday"
She flushed brightly, signaling u
him that she had already Indicated an
excuse. They had never dlned to
gether away from home. He need MOI
think, said Harriet's anxious manner
that he need carry the appearance o.
marriage SO far.
"But--but aren't Nina and to b.
In town Thursday" she ventured.
shopping. You can make that mex
week ~ Richard said. He loved he
confusion.
Then we surely will Thank you,
she said to Mrs. HOyt.
Thursday, then. at eight" tn
caller said departing. Richard saun
tere0 with them to their car. and re
turned to find Harriet half-scandal
lied, half-laughing.
But do you want to dine wit
themf" she asked. e
"Why not7" His smile challenges
her, and she laughed hardly.
II suppose there Is no reason VIII
not. Mr.. Carter!"
"You can wear'-he gestured-"th
black and goldy thing. They'll all b
watching you I"
"0h." she said, considering earnest
ly. II have much handsomer one tina
that. Blue and silver. You've not see
It,"
blue and silver, then" Richar
felt distinct regret when the hen h
expected appeared. There was but on
figure OF any interest TO him on th
shady, flower-scented terrace. and tina
was wOman's figure In white gowI
For two or three days he was COZ
scious Of q constant interest In her M
pearances and disappearances, col
slant desire To please her. lie was cor
scious Of one mastering curiosity; h
wanted ia know Just how Harriet r.
garded him. 1t seemed suddenly ,
supreme Importance. He thought OF
In his office, and smiled Ia himself dul
ing important business conference
wondering about IL. II seemed incre'
ible TO him, now. that his experience
Of the past year had been so iargel
concerned with Harriet. His wife
companion, his daughters governes
his own capable and dignltied hous
keeper. the woman lie had so hastil
married seemed different perso
cHtx Binary person, with who
jusS such business-like arrangement
had been possible.
But Harriet was beginning to see
10 him a stranger who possessed
once the most mysterious and chill
Ike, the most beautiful and the mo-
haffling paraanaIitv that he had eY,