Iron County record. [volume] (Cedar City, Utah) 1893-1982, 1922-02-03


not satisfied with Ward He needs an
anchor. That would be solution for
us ALL" II was a random shot, but
to his surprise she flushed brightly.
"Ward knows that there is no
chance of that" she said quickly,
dearly as love hint"
Richards eyes widened with whim-
steal amusement again.
$50 you've refused Ward. have
your"
"Long ago" she answered simply.
The man laughed; but moment later
his face grew dark and troubled again
as he said:
II hardly know what to dol The
girl Is the first consideration, OF
course, and she needs you. ! feel that
she Is not only safe, but happy, when
you are here. I've unfortunately
reached a place where I've got to feel
free. You've heard us all talk OF this
new asbestos merger-my dear girl.
that will keep me going like slave
for months. perhaps years won't
know when / am to be home, or what
shall have to cancel. | suppose
can't convince you how badly we need
you. My mother--well, she has always
taken life that way; she can't change
now. shall have Ida Tabor as fix
ture here, suppose, Nina running
wild, Ward never home! YOu-you
give me exactly what I want here
Good dinners, fires, hospitality, good
report from Nina and Ward; can
bring men home, can" He unused,
with a smile touching his fine, tired
face. an short, wish there was some
fortunate young man somewhere TO
make you Mrs. Smith or Jones, Miss
Field, and let you come back to the
Carriers Immediately again."
Harriet laughed, sighed sharply Inn
mediately upon the laugh.
unfortunately, there isn't such a
man." she said. And she added, even
widow, sometimes, is vulnerable"
Richard smiled, but some sudden
thought made the smile but an absent
one, and he sat quite obviously plunged
In meditation for long minute.
Here's another suggestion. Miss
Field" he said suddenly, looking up.
II don't know how this will strike
you; It has occurred to me before.
Gardiner limited tor l thought he
more possible II seems. You are a
business woman and am business
man. You know exactly what am,
exactly what occurred In my married
life, after twenty-five years. That
that sort Of thing Is over, of course.
But there is that way Of settling 1t, If
you care to consider it"
He paused, with questioning look
of encouragement, embarrassment and
affectionate interest. Harriet had
grown pale and had fixed her eyes
upon his as IL under spell.
"You meun-" Her voice failed
her.
II mean marriage. I mean that you
and shall quietly get married In q
few weeks, when I am free" he an
swered. ~ have just indicated to you
what II would mean to me. l hope"
sat stunned and silent, III hope that II
would also have its advantages 10 you.
Your position then would be unques-
tionable, my mOther-Nina--th world
would have nothing TO say. Your in
luence on Ward is the one thing that
may save the boy. OF Nina we've
already spoken, My mother know
her would Immediately become the
champion> of her sons wife. There
would he three days buzzing-that
would end itv'
The swift uprushing OF JOY In Har.
riets heart was accompanied with the
first agonies of remuneration, was per.
haps all the more poignantly sweet
because of them. She had not come
to this hour without knowing what he
meant to her, this quiet man with the
| splendid,, mouth and the keen gray
eyes, and she trembled now: with al
| exquisite emotion that seeped t.
drown out all the past and ali the fn
ture-everythlng except that she lovet
him and he needed herI But when she
spoke Il was as coOlly as he:
"Mr. 7Carter-rwhat Of your wife"
His eyes met. hers YEARLY.
divorce proceedings were insti
tuted. Immediately II was definitely es
,tabllshed she had gone with gyounG
Pope, The decree will be absolute
"But that will not-cannot alter .th'
situation, Harriet falteretE n! =.
"You mean-'' the man hesltated
"yod' mean y9uA-thats you regard m,
!. af .1ttarried still?' iss y;
! Harriet. emdte with emotions abso
luteiy overpowerIne, #oddeQl ;Vithou
sbenking. ~ f9s,3t So
"Will yOuAwIll. syou let ME. thlnl
about it?2. she falterel "A ssuddel
brightness came into his face; "Yor
know howl WAS brought up TO thinl
Of DIVORCE she went on pleqhingly
"rye made plenty of Mistakes In m,
tllfe, hut i've meyer deliberately don
lavhat 4 feltiwas wrbhgR, n
~ sgARd THIS Nouli.pe{a R(chasA aske,
slowly. D.
"Well-;-I haven't thought ABOUT II !
I she iifsMteftd S&SScs|.s ; sSsssIs fope-,
my sister and her husband-woul,
say sol IL would have said so q
some other woman r.
This would not be an ordlnar
Il