The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-08-06
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old lady decisively. There's no point to the attitude. l should be very much displeased if you did not let me have my way in this" Liane passed Give in the hall. "All set ?" he asked in low voice. "All set" the girl returned with cheerfulness she did not feel. Your mothers been so nice" II knew she would when she'd time to get used to the idea" he said satisfied. "She was a bit emo- tional when I told her, but then Mother thinks family crises are things to get emotional about" "Is that what I am? A family crisis ?" Liane asked smiling. Your" Blue eyes stared into dark ones. For an instant his fair head was very close to hers. Shall tell you what think you are really?"
 Liane tore her hand from his, breathless. "I think perhaps you'd better not. Not just now, at any rate"
 She ran up the stairs, panting a little. What fool 1 am," she
 thought, derisively. Why didn't let him go on with what he wanted to say" Liane in the rose room. was being arrayed for the engage ment dinner. The simplicity of her velvet gown, ivory in tone, accen- tuated the young purity of her pro- file. the innocent curves of her budding figure. Cass, magnificent In violet, was hooking her up. "There. You're splendid" she observed cheerfully. Its a sweet frock. It suits you" Liane leaned back to catch her reflection in the mirror. I'm frightened" she said simply. Her great dark eyes were like limpid pools in the soft light Frightened of what for heav- ems sake?" Cass' laugh sounded unaffected.
 "1 don't know. quite"
 Well, I'm sure l don't. You're just fanciful. Be perfectly natur- al-just your own sweet self and every one'll approve of you"
 Liane thought. "If she only knew! He's coming tonight. Van Robard. What shall l do? If I look at him. If he touches my hand. may give myself away. And l mustn't do that"
 She said with forced lightness, I'm just stagestruck l guess. Afraid of all these people," My dear, they won't boo at you or throw things. Just make good entrance, and the rest will be easy"
 Liane laughed. That sounds simple"
 "it is simple. Take an old troup- er's word for 1t. And remember
 you're every bit as good as any of them"
 "All right. Mother. did Mrs
 Cleespaugh quiz you about the Barrett family tree?" Caas colored. "Oh. we did have a little talk" she said vaguely. "1
 gave her our pedigree and she
 liked It."
 Liane had flash of prescience.
 She's keeping something back" she thought. She had a wild long,
 ing to know what 1t was. Some
 mystery lurked in her mothers
 conscio usness. All she said was
 I'm glad you settled the matter
 to her satisfaction.' Now we really must go down. 1 Cass said carelessly changing the
 subject. Come along. You're per
 feet"
 | Mrs Clesepaugh had asked. ma
 jestically, Do you know MT Ro-
 bard ?" and Cass had inclined her
 head ever so slightly. But Liane,
 narrowly watching had seen her | mothers color change. There was a furry of talk as Nora entered with the tray. Tn the chatter Cass managed to slip aside. Liane made her way through the group. Hired already, dear?" she want 1 ed to know.
 Cass managed a strained smile.
 Well, this is my first night out you know. I'll be all right d.
 rectly."
 What does she know of him ?'' the girl wondered. l Irhnu 1unnf nn in inc club 10