The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1922-02-03

he might walk beside her. The serv
ice had been Unattended, and the few
women who drifted away from II die
not walk in their direction, SO they
found themselves alone.
Harriet opened the conversation
with frank yet reluctant confession
"rm so sorry, Roy But 1t is only
fair to you to say that I've changed
You Will have TO do what you thinh
fit about 1t, Of course. But can't
pretend that rm-I'm playing YOU
game any longer"
'What gamer Blondin, falling into
graceful step beside her, asked pleas
antly.
II mean any possible-idea you
might have Of Nlnal" Harriet said
bravely.
"Oh, Nina" he shrugged his shoul
ders lightly. "Don't take me too seri
ously, Harriet" he said. "Why, when
ever we are alone together, should you
promptly begin to cross-question me
about that little personr
Harriet made a faint, impatient
ejaculation.
swell. anyway, you know where ]
stand I" she said.
"And you know where do" he an
swered, after pause. II can see Car
ter has no particular enthusiasm for
mel suppose that's your work"
"You know where 1 stand" she
could only repeat. They had reached
the garden now, and were at the foot
Of the steps.
II don't quite see how you can take
that Tone" Blondin limited. "Do you
expect to marry the boy?"
Harriet did not answer, except by
a faint shrug. Her heart was sick
with fright, but there was no reason
why he should be Informed that she
had definitely broken with Ward. But
he had never come so near a threat
before.
"Of course / am entirely at your
mercy" she said, simply Blondln
watched her for a full moment of ST.
lence before he said suddenly:
Look here. I'll make bargain
with you. If you win consent not to
make any allusion towel, to ten
years ago. I'll do the same. I'll give
you my solemn promise on It, Say
what you please about me now. You're
under no bond to protect me. l can
hold my own. But the past is dead
Neither you nor 1 will speak Of II
without agreeing TO do so. How about
It'll"
She hesltated, the black lashes
dropped, her restless hands twisting
and torturing her handkerchief. II
protected her, she thought. while lsav-
ing her free to oppose him.
'Ill agree" she said, finally.
"Promlse?"
"Oh. promise ~ She bit her lip, and
frowned, as If she would add some
thing more. But no words came, only
her troubled eyes met his fully and
splendidly for second.
Then with a brief, familiar nod she
turned. and without another word
went into the house.
The morning dragged. 1t was dry
and hot, with promise Of a storm
later.
Madame Carriers breakfast had been
sent upstairs, and Mrs. Tabor had
joined her, for when the old lady sent
a message to Harriet, the two women
were together, In elaborate negligee,
and a litter of Sunday papers was
about the beautiful bedroom
Upon Harrlet's entrance Mrs. Tabor
gracefully rose TO go. but she paused
for a pleasant good morning.
Alone with her determined old en-.
envy, Harriet assumed her usual air |
Of respectful readiness. Madame Car
ter had sent for herr
"Yes," said the old lady, looking |
about her before gathering |
her garments together, and sinking |
INTO a chair. 81 wanted you TO know
hat the young people propose to
irive to Easthampton, at about two
,'clock-my granddaughter has been
lere. teasing Granny for the plan. and
have consented. They viii dine
here and be back at about-well,
lfter dinner"
But won't that tire your Harriet
Isked.
~? Oh, I shall not go. Ward will
haperon his sister. and Nina. Amy.
,fr. Blondin Will see that they get
ome In time. It's quite all right, Miss
Held; am entirely satisfied. They"
But. Madame Carterw Harriet In.
errupted her as she had expected to
e interrupted. "Surely 1t would be
1--WE won't discuss 1t, please. Miss
ieldw
Harriet's cheeks Redeemed; she was
lent