The Elk Mountain pilot., 1922-03-30

ing affection for her stubborn loyal,
and simplicity. But he knew eyactl,
what hideous scenes must follow uDnr
his marriage with her. What could h,
do with her. even suppose him TO have
borrowed money enough to make Their
honeymoon success? He imagined
her dawdling about his studio. imag
ined his social standing as necessaril,
affected, imagined Mr.. and Mrs. Roya'
Blondin attempting to reach an agree
ment as to which invitations would b,
accepted and which rejected. Rail
way fares, luncheons downtown, al
these cost money-lots of money. Nina
would want to entertain "the girls
And Royal had at present several seri-
Gus debts.
This was not cheerful outlook
with which to begin three years of
penniless matrimony. Royal, suavely
smiling. and smoking on the terrace.
wondered suddenly if old Madame
Carter, who had always been his cham
pion, would help out.
But Richard seemed to read his
thought
nina has appealed to her grand
mother" he said, land l know my
mother sympathizes, and would be
glad to help you. But her affairs are
in my hands. She preferred 1t so
when I offered her some securities
years ago, and 1t has always been so
Her bank account receives monthly
check; she sends all her household
bills to my secretary. Fox. He o. KS
and pays them. Consequently, she is
not able to act In this matter, and
think she is glad Of 1t l believe she
would regret the-the inevitable
estrangement as much as L."
Richard had taken small slip
of tan paper from his pocket. and was
studying 1t thoughtfully. Royal saw
it, and his eyes narrowed.
Now. Mr.. Blondin," Nina's father
said. simply. "Tm business man. !
can't beat about the bush. and call
things by pretty names. want favor
of you, and I'm willing to pay for it.
I telephoned you this morning that !
wanted to see you on matter of
business. This is my proposition
He leaned forward, and Royal saw
the paper. He boasted to women of
his Indifference to money, it was true
but as with all adventures, it held
first place In his thoughts. No man
who was in debt could look upon that
check unmoved. Royal might win al
cards tonight, to be sure; Carter
might weaken tomorrow, 1t was true
But this check bore his name, and il
was sure.
To enter the bank, with Richard
Carter's check for so substantial an
amount. to deposit it. exchange care
less word with the cashier, to write
his check for the overdue rent, with
a casual apology; to play bridge again
this evening. with young Bellamy, and
this time win back the accursed check
of his own. as he knew he would win
II.
"Just one moment, Mr.. Carter. You
say that you and l know what mar
riage is. How do you reconcile 1t with
your knowledge Of Nina, your knowl-
edge of her upbringing. to plan delib-
erately what would make our marriage
or any NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. to
failure from the start? 1 didn't spoil
Nina, didn't form her tastes. She
has thought of herself as an heiress,
she has spent money. lived luxurious
ly. l only ask fair chance. Make
1t an allowance. II you like. Keep the
matter in the family; don't blaze to
the world that you disapprove! Many
less-promislng marriage has turned
out a brilliant success. She loves me.
II am devoted to her. l see tre-
mendous possibilities in her!"
"She loves You as a child does, and
because she doesn't know you," Rich
ard said. inflexibly. "But you haven't
heard what propose, Blondin. Hear
me out. l give you this now, today,
on condition that before tonight you
talk to Nina. Represent anything you
wish to her. Tell her what you please
But convince her that she must walt
for two years-with no letters, nc
meetings, no engagement-that's all.
ION my part, promise that nobody
in the world, not Mrs. Carter, not any
body, will hear Of this for two years
from today, at least. Meanwhile, wei
amuse Nina. Her grandmother wants
to take her to Santa Barbara next
fall-Gardiner wants both the young
sters on his ranch this summer, or she
may go with me to Brazil. She'll have
enough to think about. Wen not hurt
you with her, you may take my word
for 1t. And I tell you frankly that
shall be deeply grateful. I'm not pay.
ing you for giving her up. I'm paying
you for two years delay. Young Hopper
will he at the Gardeners this summer
she likes him, apd he likes her
Well. that's speculation" Richard dis
missed it with movement of his fine
hands. But wen distract herr he
promised. Hopper may buy ranch
out there-that sort of thing might
suit Nina down to the groundi"
..Ruy IL with Nina,s mnnevM Rnual