Page:BM Bower - Her Prairie Knight.djvu/188

 the table. Four pairs of eyes were fixed upon her with varying degrees of interest and anxiety. The fifth pair—Dick's—were trying to hide their unrighteous glee by glaring down at the chicken wing on his plate. Beatrice felt a strong impulse to throw something at him. She gulped and faced the inevitable. It must come some time, she thought, and it might as well be now—though it did seem a pity to spoil a good dinner for every one but Dick, who was eating his with relish.

"No, honey"—her voice was clear and had the note of finality—"I'm not going—ever."

Sir Redmond's teeth went together with a click, and he picked up the pepper shaker mechanically and peppered his salad until it was perfectly black, and Beatrice wondered how he ever expected to eat it. Mrs. Lansell dropped her fork on the floor, and had to have a clean one brought. Miss Hayes sent a frightened glance at her brother. Dick sat and ate fried chicken.

"Why, Be'trice? I wants you to—and de puppies'll need you—and auntie, and" Dorman gathered himself for the last, crushing argument—"and Uncle Redmon' wants you awf'lly!"

Beatrice took a sip of ice water, for she needed it. 184