The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1922-03-03
CHAPTER xv-contlnued.

grateful for his casual politeness II
her strangeness and shyness. He hat
chanced, quite idly and accidentally
TO make an impression on her. She
had promised to come to the studio
and look at his rugs.
Royal wondered why she dressed Sc
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 deliberately, going
to the club? 1t was almost five
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 lazy.
mo tea today?" he asked, presently.
People usually went TO the club on
Sunday, said his mother. She added,
drrelevantly, 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 a baby's.
"Aren't the June days delicious?"
she said Richard studied her, smiling
ly, 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, he tried to
catch the words.
did you have good sleepT Rich
ard asked. She flashed him an elo-
quent look.
"Oh-the most delightful Of my
whole lifel Eight hours without stir
ringl"
The Hoyts arrived; 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 filled 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 II yet.
When Mrs. Hoyt limited at dinner, he
took part In the conversation. Thurs
day? Why not. Harriet? We have no
engagement for Thursday"
She flushed brightly, signaling to
him that she had already indicated an
excuse. They had never dined 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 Thursday" she ventured.
shopping. You can make that next
week I" Richard said. He loved her
confusion.
"Then we surely viii Thank you"
she said to Mrs. Hoyt.
Thursday, then, at eight" 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 |
them?" she asked
"Why not?" His smile challenged
her, and she laughed hardly.
II suppose there is no reason why
not, Mr.. Carteri"
you can wear"-he gestured-"the
black and goldy thing. They'll all be
you. -
"Oh." she said, considering earnest
Y, 81 have a much handsomer one than
hat. Blue and silver. You've not seen
l."
"Blue and silver. then" Richard
'elt distinct regret when the men he
appeared. There was but one
igure OF any interest to him on the
ihady, fiower-scented terrace. and that
vas woman's figure In a white gown.
For two or three days he was con-
cious of a constant interest In her APP
,earances and disappearance. a con-
tant desire to please her. He was con-
cious OF one mastering curiosity: he
wanted TO know just how Harriet re-
arded him. 1t seemed suddenly of I
upreme Importance. He thought of II ;
q his office, and smiled to himself dur
lg important business conferences.
about II. 1t seemed incred-
Die to him. now, that his experiences '
( the past year had been so largely I
oncerned with Harriet. His wifes {
his daughters governess.
is own capable and dIgniied house v
eeper. the woman he had so hastily 7
arried, all seemed different person, y
cA'te visionary person, with whom :
isl such business-like arrangements q
I'D been possible. e
But Harriet was beginning TO seem
him stranger who possessed at
ice the most mysterious and child
re, the most beautiful and the most
filing personality that he had ever II