The Jasper news., 1922-04-27
HARRIET
and the
PIPER
BY
Kathleen Norris
illustration, BY
Irwin Myers
IIlIlllIIIlIlilIIlIIIllIIIlIIIIIIIIIII
Copyright by Kathleen Morris
CHAPTER xv-contlnued.

per a few nights ago: q faded little
pleasant woman Of fifty, pathetically
grateful for his casual politeness In
her strangeness and shyness. He had
chanced, quite idly and accidentally,
70 make an impression on her. She
had promised to come TO the studio
and look 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 elaborately, going
TO the club? 1t was almost hve
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 lnzy.
mo tea today2" 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 deliciousr
she said Richard studied her, smiling
Iy, 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, be tried to
catch the words.
did you have good sleepf" Rich
ard asked. She flashed him On elo-
quent look.
"Oh-the most delightful of my
whole lifel Eight hours without stir
ringl"
The Hoyts arrived; a handsome
mother and two equally handsome
daughters. Harriet went to them
gracefully; Richard saw that she was
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 for
her, but he dared not analyze 1t yet.
When Mrs. Hoyt limited at a dinner, he
took part in the conversation. Thurs
day7 Why not. Harriet We have no
engagement for ThursdayT
She flushed brightly, signaling to
him that she had already indicated an
excuse. They had never dlned to-
gether away from home. He need not
think, said Harriet's anxious manner,
that he need carry the appearance of
marriage so far.
"But-but aren't Nina and ] to be
IN town Thursday7" she yentured.
shopping. You can make that next
week |" Richard said. He loved her
confusion.
'"Then we surely will Thank YOU"
she said TO Mrs. Hoyt.
Thursday, then, at eight I" the
caller said. departing. Richard saun-
tereo with them to their car, and re-
turned to. find Harriet half-scandal-
lied, half-laughing.
"But do you want to dine with
them2" she asked.
"Why nOtT" His smile challenged
her. and she laughed hardly.
II suppose there is no reason why
not, Mr.. Carterl"
"You can wear"-he gestured-"th
black and goldy thing. They'll all be
watching you"
''Oh," she said, considering earnest.
ly, II have a much handsomer one than
that. Blue and silver. You've not seen
It."
blue and silver, then" Richard
felt a distinct regret when the men he
expected appeared. There was but one
fgure OF any interest to him on ths
shady, hower-scented terrace, and that
was a woman's figure In a white gown
For two or three days he was con
scIOus OF a constant interest In her ap
peGrances aud disappearances, a con
slant desire TO please her. He was con
scious OF one mastering curiosity: be
wanted 70 know just NOW Harriet re