White County record. [volume] (Judsonia, Ark.) 1922-200?, 1922-06-29
CHAPTER xV-Continued.


He had met the widow of Joe Hop
a few nights ago: faded little
,oosont woman of fifty, pathetically
..+oful for his casual politeness in
~ etrangeness and shyness. He had
Iborcpd. quite idly and accidentally,
make an impression on her. She
cd promised to come to the studio
nd look at his rugs,
i noval wondered why she dressed so
odly. she needed simple materials
"a flowing lines. He heard himself
cling her SO.
picbard sat on, on the terrace,
5hinl,ing. and presently his mother
anne out and joined him. Wasn't he,
he old lady asked deliberately, going
the club? 1t was almost five
lcock. her son reminded her. Two
three of his business associates
rere coming to dinner; Hansen was
drive them all into the city later.
yow. he just felt lazy.
DNo tea today?" he asked, presently.
beonle usually went to the club on
kpndav. said his mother. She added,
rreleyantly. that Harriet was asleep.
Pichord said that she had looked tired
his morning sleep was the best thing
fOr her.
Rut suddenly life became significant
nd thrilling again; he heard her
3oice. her laugh. She came swiftly
nd quietly out to them, smiling at
I'm settling herself in the chair be-
ida his mother. She wore white,
transparent, simple; there were coral
beads about her firm young throat.
rhe dew of her deep sleep made her
Iue eyes wonderful; her cheeks were
Is pink as a baby's.
AREN'T the June days delicious?"
HE said. Richard studied her, smiling
H. without answering. What would
be say next, where would she move
Ter eyes, or lay her white hand, he
Wondered When she murmured to his
mother In an undertone, he tried to
latch the words.
did you have q good sleep?' Rich
lrd asked. She flashed him an elo-
uent look
"Oh-the most delightful of my
khole life! Eight hours without stir
ingi"
The Hoyts arrived; handsome
bother and two equally handsome
daughters. Harriet went to them
Gracefully; Richard saw that she was
ccepting good wishes. She took the
allers to his mother, and filled their
fups herself.
"She certainly is wonderful !" Rich
rd said He perfectly realized his
Pwn suddenly deepening feeling for
Der, but he dared not analyze it yet.
When Mrs. HOyt limited at dinner, he
oOk part in the conversation. "Thurs-
Jay? Why not, Harriet? We have no
engagement for Thursday?'
She flushed brightly, signaling to
i'm that she had already Indicated an
Excuse. They had never dined to-
Bether away from home. He need not
pink, said Harriet's anxious manner,
hat he need carry the appearance of
harriage so far.
'But-but aren't Nina and | to be
town Thursday?" she vcntured.
shopping. You can make that next
PEEK" Richard said. He loved her
Confusion.
Then we surely will Thank you"
he said to Mrs. Hoyt
Thursday, then, at eight" the
aller said, departing. Richard saun-
ered with them to their car, and re-
urned to find Harriet half-scandal-
pea, half-laughing.
But do you want to dine with
hemY she asked.
why not?" His smile CHALLENGED
FER, and she laughed hardly.
i suppose there is no reason why
OF, Mr.. Carter!"
lou can wear"-he gestured-"th
iock and goldy thing. They'll all be
Watching your!
oh' she said, considering earnest
nave much handsomer one than
'at' Blue and silver. You've not seen
Blue and silver, then" Richard
it distinct regret when the men he
Apeeted appeared. There was but one
cure OF any interest to him on the
iauS' hower-scented terrace, and that
as womaE's figure in a white gown.
'r TWO or three days he was con-
''ous OF constant interest In her ap-
eaiahces and disappearance, a CON
anl ueslre TO please her. He was CON
u9 vi one mastering curiosity: he
ai'eu TO know just how Harriet re-
.ueu MN. 1t seemed suddenly of
e'ne Importance. He thought of it
ms ohice, and smiled to himself dur
Important business conferences,
h. ing about 1t. 1t seemed incred-
:, ~ nim' now, that his experiences
e past year had been so largely
ned with Harriet. His wife's
pa,Iioh' his daughters governess,
own capable and dignified house
Neper, the woman ha h,1 o. ho+;,