The Holbrook news., 1922-01-13
CHAPTER II.

Madame Carter, gathering her drap- cries about her. was one of the first to leave the terrace. Dressing for dinner was slow and serious busi- ness for her. She gave Harriet a cold, appraising glance as she passed her Richard Carter had risen to escort his mother, but she delayed him for a mo ment.
 "aliss Nina gone In, Miss FieldT
 Harriet. Tgose manner with slT old persons was the essence of Scrupu'Ous formality, rose at once to her feer.
 Nina has gone to change her dress, Madame Carter"
 She took il upon herself to ask you to help us out this afternoon?" the old lady added, with the sort of gracious cruelty of which sEe was mis- tress. Richard Carter gave his daugh- ter's companion a look that asked in- diligence.
 Harriet said nothing, and resumed her seat as the old lady rustled slowly away. Who's coming?" she asked in an undertone, to Ward, as one more motor swept about the carriage drive.
 What is It, Beautiful?" Ward laughed. Harriet's glorious eyes wid- ened into smiling warning. His open and boyish admiration was a sort sYf joke between them. Yet in this sec- ond, as he craned his neck to get a glimpse of the approaching guests, a sudden thought was born in her. Honor had compelled her to a gen erous policy with Ward. She had held his admiration firmly in check: she had maintained big-sister attitude that was as wholesome for herself as for him.
 But .here, she thought with sudden satisfaction, might be the realization of her own ambition. after all. Ward was but four years her junior. and Ward would be Richard Carter's heir.
 Its the Bellamys and their crowd" said Ward. watching the approach of newcomers. Look at that man with them, that fellow with the hair that's BlondinI That's the man l was telling you about the other night, the man whose name l couldn't remem- berI"
 "Who?"
 Harriet did not know whether she said 1t or screamed it. She lost all consciousness of her surroundings and her neighbOrs for a few terrible sec onds; her mouth was dry. her throat cOnstricted. and hideous weakness ran like nausea through her entire body. The hand with which she touched the sugar tongs was icy cold, a pain split her forehead. and she felt suddenly tired and broken.
 Ward had gone across to greet the Bellamys; Harriet fixed her eyes with sort of fascination upon the man to whom she presently saw him talking. Almost everyone else in the group was looking at him, too; Royal Blondin was used to il; one of his favorite affectatiOns was an apparent unconsciousness of being observed.
 Well over six feet in height. he had dropped his leOnine head. with its thick locks of dark hair. a little on one side; his mobile, thin lips were set, and his piercing eyes searched the boys face with a sort of passionate attention.
 Introductions were in order. every one wanted to meet the Bellamys' friend, and Harriet saw that it pleased him, for some inScrutable reason. to continue his ridiculous conversation with the flattered Ward, and tO accept names and greetings absently, in an aside, as it were. smiling perfunctorily and briefly at the eager girls and women. and returning immediately to his concerned and passionate under tones with the boy.
 It was Isabelle who brought him to the tea table. Harriet had felt. with sure premOnition of disaster, that fl must be. She might not escape; there was nothing for it but courage now. Her breath was behaving badly, and the muscles contracted in her throat, but she managed a smile.
 And this is Miss Field. Mir. Blon. din," said Isabelle. 'She will give you some tea!''
 Miss Field" said Royal Blondin. and his dark hand came across the