The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1939-03-25


stern. but there was nothing stern
about his eyes. Quite plainly they
were frightened.
"An right, how's this 80 dim
ping at him. Karl, dear father.
please allow me to have an en-
gagement with an escort whom I
met by chance.
is that better" Although she
laughed she was very much in
earnest.
The phrssing II much better,
my child. but the content is the
same and my answer is also the
same No" Reaching across the
table he laid his hand over hers.
BE patient, dear one. You are
but 20"
How old was my mother when
you married herr
"Well-er-about 20"
Eighteen, you mean" resent
fully. What would you have
done IL her father had refused to
let you see her ?" Hilda pushed
back her chair and folded both
hands in her lap. She had changed
in a day and the fright In her
fathers eyes became panic.
Chance Meetings
That was different. dear" he
pleaded. Surely these few chance
meetings with Mr.. carhart have
not made you feel serious about
hi h..
to agree with him.
Hilda looked down at her folded
hands. Il don't know IL it's seri-
Gus. I haven't had chance to
find out. But I'm going to find
out, Karl" She stood up and
turned away from the table.
Instantly he was on his feet.
You will obey me. Hilda," he said
in the steely tone of one accus-
toned to give commands. You
shall not speak to the young man
again."
IN speak to him If I choose"
her tone as brittle as his.
Il know what is best for you
and I say that you shall not,
thunderously.
She flared angrily. You've kept
me wrapped in cotton wool all my
life. I've never had a friend.
Can't you see that I'm grown up,
father" Only when she was an
cry did she call him father. Il
have life to lead, a lovely, beau
tiful life. I'm going to be like
other girls" At his stricken look
she added. "I'll be good. father.
You've taught me right from
wrong. You can trust me"
Weary
1T isn't that, Hilda," YEARLY.
"You don't understand.
There are reasons why you
can't be like other girls"
What reasons" in evaporation.
"All my life you've been limiting
at things. mysterious things. Why
am I different? Tell me and III
do as you say"
Il can't tell you. But I'm warn
ing you-if you get your life into
a tangle-"
who said anything about tam
giles ?" impatiently. "All l ask is
that l may go to a movie with
nice young man"
mo. You are running too
great risk"
u say yes. If he turns out not
to be a nice young man I'll know
IL. I'm no child, father"
He stood over her, his mouth
grim. You are child and it is
my duty to protect you. Unless
you promise never to go out with
this young man I'll call the library
in the morning and resign for
you"
Hilda wilted under the threat.
She loved the busy library. the
personal contacts the feeling that
she had a place in the amazing
world. Friendships. chatter. laugh
ter. condolences. 1t was new
life, a glorious life after years of
loneliness.
You wouldn't do that. Karl.
coaxingly. with terrified catch
f in her voice.
Il most certainly shall"
Hilda knew her father. The
kindest. most indulgent man in the
world, and the hardest.
"All right. you win she said
"Send Mischla after me as usual
l cant help seeing Mr.. Carhart II
he comes TO read. but I won't &c
out with him. | promise"
Very we'll" signing unhappily
The incident is closed. Let me
heat the chocolate. You haven
had drop" He neither looked
pleased nor triumphant. The fright
still lurked in his eyes.
Karl had reason TO know that
Gregson's blood was hot, that
much of II had been split for love
The thing he had dreaded had hap
pened and despite his forceful atti'
tude. despite the fact that he hac
won. he felt helpless.
Hilda was not dishonest, bu'
even while she promised, her minc
busily searched for loophole
She was as hesdstrong as hel
father and. because she was fem
mime. her emotions were swayeC
by her heart rather than her head
While she gave her promise sh,
was filled with fiery determine
ton TO see and talk with the pre-
possessing Keith Carhart.
The barrier Of her fathers dis
approval made her all the NOR
keenly determined. With no back
ground OF experience she wilfull,
forged ahead.
After going to bed her entir'
mind conferred on the problem
She had promised not to 60 on
with Keith. There might still b
the stolen moments over the en-
cyclopedias.
Already that was not enough
A primitive urge demanded more
Hilda was not analytical. She dii
not realize that when that NOV