Let me go with you, asked John Clark, but Betty smiled a refusal and ran off alone.
Most of them watched the lithe, slight figure, as she bounded up the rugged, irregular steps, sometimes two of them at a time, and at last they saw her fitting the key into the front door.
She called back a few words, but the distance was too great for them to hear her clearly, although they could see her.
She called back a few words, but the distance was too great for them to hear her clearly, although they could see her.
She waved her hand, smilingly, and disappeared inside the house, leaving the door wide open behind her.
Extraordinary place! Herbert Varian said, taking in the marvelous crag from this new viewpoint.
You must see it from the clubhouse, said Landon; cant you all come here tomorrow afternoon, on my invite?
Well see, Mrs Varian smiled at him, for it was impossible not to like this frank, good-looking youth.
The conversation was entirely of the wonders and beauties of Headland House, until at last, Mrs Blackwood said, Isnt that child gone a long while? I could have found half a dozen cameras by this time!
She is a long time, Frederick Varian said, frowning; I was just thinking that myself. I think Ill go after her.
No, dont, said his wife, nervously, youll get into an argument with her, and never get back! Let her alone, shell be here in a minute.
But the minutes went by, and Betty didnt reappear in the open doorway.
I know what shes up to, and Frederick Varian shook his head, in annoyance.
Whereupon Mrs Frederick began to cry.
Now, Fred, stop, she said; Herbert, you go up to the house and tell Betty to come along. If she cant find her camera, tell her to come without it. I wish we had a megaphone so we could call her. Go on, Herbert.
Stay where you are, Herbert, said his brother. I shall go. Its all right, Minna, I wont tease the child, I promise you. Its all right, dear.
He kissed his wife lightly on the brow, and started off at a swinging pace up the rocky flight of steps.
Ill fetch her, he called back, as he proceeded beyond hearing distance. Chirk up, Minna, Janet; tell her I shant abuse Betty.
What does he mean by that? asked Mrs Herbert of Mrs Frederick, as she repeated the message.
Oh, nothing, and Mrs Frederick clasped her hands resignedly. Only you know how Betty and her father are always more or less at odds. I dont know why it is, theyre devoted to each other, yet theyre always quarreling.
They dont mean anything, and her sister-in-law smiled. I know them both, and theyre an ideal father and daughter.
CHAPTER III
The Tragedy
Doctor Herbert Varian stood slightly apart from the rest of the group, his observant eyes taking in all the details of the peculiar situation of his brothers house. His eye traversed back over the short distance they had already come, and he saw a narrow, winding and exceedingly steep path. At intervals it was a succession of broken, irregular steps, rocky and sharp-edged. Again, it would be a fairly easy, though stony footway. But it led to the house, and had no branch or side track in any direction.
Everything and everybody that comes to this house has to come by this path? he demanded.
Yes, said Minna Varian, and added, complainingly, a most disagreeable arrangement. All the servants and tradespeople have to use it as well as ourselves and our guests.
That could be remedied, suggested Varian, a branch, say
Well never do it, said Minna, sharply. I dont like the place well enough to buy it, though that is what Fred has in mind
No, dont buy it, advised her brother-in-law. I see nothing in its favor except its wonderful beauty and strange, weird charm. Thats a good deal, I admit, but not enough for a comfortable summer home.
He turned and gazed out over the open sea. From the high headland the view was unsurpassable. The few nearby boats seemed lost in the great expanse of waters. Some chugging motor boats and a dozen or so sailing craft ventured not very far from shore. North, along the Maine coast, he saw only more rocky promontories and rockbound inlets.
Turning slowly toward the South, he saw the graceful curve of Headland Harbor, with its grouped village houses and spreading array of summer cottages.
I never saw anything finer, he declared. I almost think, Minna, after all, you would be wise to buy the place, and then, arrange to make it more getatable. A continuous flight of strong wooden steps
Would spoil the whole thing! exclaimed Claire Blackwood. Oh, Doctor Varian, dont propose anything like that! We Harborers love this place, just as it is, and we would defend it against any such innovations. I think theres a law about defacing natural scenery.
Dont bother, said Minna, carelessly; well never do anything of the sort. I wont agree to it.
Thats right, said her sister-in-law. This is no place to bring up Betty. The girl has no real society here, no advantages, no scope. Shell become a savage
Not Betty, Minna Varian laughed. Shes outdoor-loving and all that, but she has nothing of the barbarian in her. I think shed like to go to a far gayer resort. But her father