American Fork citizen. [volume] (American Fork, Utah) 1912-1979, 1922-06-03


going to stay right here. and take q
position with an art magazine that ne
Just hates, and work II all off--before
we go, II It takes years"
"Work what all orr Harriet asked.
simply and quietly.
"This money that q friend of his
really lost, but he has taken It upon
himself" Nina answered, little molli-
fed. ut was eleven thousand dollars.
and he has paid of about four, and
anyway, I hate SO much talk about
money! she finished, angrily.
MY DEAR" Harriet said. as Richard,
with troubled face, remained silent.
ut isn't the money that we are worry
Ing about. Why. ask your father,
Ninal Ask him II he wouldn't write
Royal Blondin check for any sum to-
day, any sum. II you and he would
promise solemnly to wait three years
more. You will only be twenty-one
then, Nina. still such q child"
Harriet paused. glancing at Richard
for encouragement; he nodded eagerly,
and she went on:
Marriage Is q tremendous thing.
Nina, and the only thing that makes II
right"
III you're going to say love-" Nina
broke in, scornfully. "you didn't marry
Father for love"
, ~ was going to say mutual under
standing and respect" Harriet said,
quietly, but the splendid color flooded
her face ms she spoke, "and you do not
rlage. Royal Blondln Is a charming
man, and gifted man, but he is an ad-
venturer, dear; he is man who has
lived In all sorts Of places, known all
sorts Of persons, accepted all sorts Of
| queer codes. There are coarse ele-
ments In him, Nina, things that would
utterly sicken and brighten you! Your
father Is right; you would be back
with us In few months or years, per-
haps with child. perhaps shattered In
body as well as soul--not free to take
up your life again with Ward and
Amy, but SCARED and emblttered and
| changed
my God, how that woman loves the
childr Richard said to himself,
watching her. To him she seemed In.
spired. Her eyes were blurred with
tears. her voice shaking. and she had
leaned over to clasp Nina's hands. and
SO hold the girls unwilling attention.
"Nina, can't you trust your father
that far?" Harriet finished. "Can't you
realize that man like Royal, embar.
raised for money--n0 matter II he
truly admires you, and truly means to
make you happy-can't think Of you
without thinking also of what your
generous checks are going to mean to
himf Write him check for eleven
thousand, Nina, as a consolation for
delaying the marriage a year. Try
itW'
Nina rose to her feet. Her trembling
mouth was desperately scornful, and
her eyes trimming. although she
fought tears.
~ don't know why my own family II
the first to think that nobody could
possibly love me for myself !" she said
In breaking voice. "Flrst Harriet
ruins my friendship with Ladybird-
and then--then-w
Listen, Nina" her father said. He
and Harriet had come around to stand
beside her. and he had encircled the
shaking and protesting shoulders will
his arm. II have just telephoned Fo,
to make reservations for me on tn,
| Gillian OF n shall ha xrs
to be q month or six weeks In Rio d,
Janeiro every year now. Now. I've JUS
been wondering why you and Harriet
don't come with me this first trip2 We
stop at the Barbados and Bahia It.,
magnificent steamer-swimmini
tanks and gymnasium; you1l love 1t
and you'll love touch Of the Soutl
American countries, too, a chance Il
try your Spanish. Why not put of thil
marriage idea for year, come along
with me; you'll make steamer &c
Quaintances, you'll broaden out littl,
bit"
II won't 60 anywhere!" sobbet
Nina, wildly. turning for flight. "be
cause I'm going to kin myself"
Harriet only waited long enough
after her dramatic exit to give Richard
u reassnring nod. Then she hurried
after Nina.
The girl was sobblng on her bed, and
for awhile she answered Harriet's
soothing touch of voice and hand only
with angry jerks. Then they fell to
talking, and Nina confided for the first
time fully In the older woman. Royals
letters. his exquisite cards. sent with
flowers, the poems he had written her
here they all were. Harriet sympa
thized. sighed, and consoled her af
fectionately. Presently she was able
to suggest new thought to Nina, one
that could not but be palatable to the
girls hurt spirit.
"You see. you're only seventeen, NJ
ma" Harriet said, tile age when most
girls are still In the schoolroom. long
before they have affairs! Well, you're
| not Interested In college so thar ought