The Wolf Point herald. (Wolf Point, Mont.) 1913-1940, 1926-07-01
preached the subject.

preached the subject.
II suppose you've been thinking
what a heartless brute I am" she
said with an attempt at iightness.
II mean-about being engaged.
After all I've said, too. Do you re-
member the way we used to argue
about what we would do if-if any.
thing happened to Tim-or-or
Peter?"
Joan shivered.
ITS unlucky to talk about it,"
she said.
Nan made an impatient gesture.
Nothing can change my luck
now" she said. But we won't talk
about it unless you wish. I just
wanted to say that-that it's not be-
cause Tve-forgotten that I'm mar
rying Mr.. Seton. I shall Y for
get as long as I live"
Her cheeks were fiery. her eyes
burned.
1T wasn't any use wsiting-and
struggling on-and hoping" she
said. in a strangled voice. after
after I'd seen Peter down here ono
or twice / knew it was all up Be-
sides =" She stopped, and
there was a long silence which Joan
did not dare to break.
Nan went on:
Then Mr.. Seton amt He's rich,
and father owes him money. I'm
only telling you this. Joan, because
YOU are my friend, and I know you'u
never tell anyone. And so, as +
I knew I couldn't be happy any
more. I thought I might as well do
the best I could for-for the family
e." She laughed drearily. There
are the boys to think Of, you see"
she added. And I love them
especially Claude e."
rs Claude the little one?" Joan
asked helplessiy.
Yes and so-that's why.
I had to tell you: but you won't tell
anyone. will you, Joan-promise.'
You know I won't" Joan said.
She got up. stood on tip-toe ard
kissed Nan more warmly than she
had ever done before. You're a
brave darling" she said shakily.
I'm not brave at ALL" Nan said,
"if you only knew. Goodnight
I'm glad you came" she
added.
The boys made friends with Joan
very quickly.
How long are you going to say"
they asked in q chorus when she
appeared at breakfast.
Joan laughed.
I'm not going to stay at all-Gt
least, I don't think so-Nan has
enough to do to look after you with
out me as we'll"
They did not agree with this, and
she received prompt invitations to
stay as long as she liked.
"We1I take you in the woods" Jim
promised.
And find you birds eggs Buster
added.
Mr.. LISTERS gone away" said
Nan quietly.
No, he hasn't" ehrilIed Buster
again. It saw him this morning be-
fore breakfast-he came down. the
road when l was odt in the garden
he said he'd meet is in the WOODS
when we'd had our breakfast
Joan looked quickly at Nan.
II think you've made a E~istake,"
Nan said evenly. I'VE saw him DIV
ing to the station yesterday with
Mr.. Arnott. you know
He's come back Buster insisted.
Il saw him"
Nan changed the subject bur.
riedly.
Later. Joan followed the boys out
into the garden. The weather had
taken a turn for the better-it was
as warm and sunny as a May morn
ing. She shifted the country air de
/ liciously as she went.
Where are you boys going?" sh'
asked. /.
TO fnd Mr.. Lyster.' came bach
to her in a chorus. You can come
too, If you like"
0 hesitated-she looked baci
at the house. Nan had come to tn
door and was calling to her.
I'm ooming-in a minute" JoaI
caught hold Of Claudio and detaine'
him.
can you keep a s~ecret?" sh'
asked. in a whisper, Claudie's eye
shona
yes" he said, with al emphati
,oA ~-aaeaaS@s~zzzaz
Joan produced a letter from ne
pocket-she folded it and cf5Sshe
it into his fat little hand. )
CTo Be COnthTu@d
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