The Vanishing of Betty Varian Read online

  CHAPTER II Betty Varian

  "Dad, you're absolutely impossible!"

  "Oh, come now, Betty, not as bad as that! Just because I don't agree toeverything you say----"

  "But you _never_ agree with me! You seem to be opposed on principle toeverything I suggest or want. It's always been like that! From the time Iwas born,--how old was I, Dad, when you first saw me?"

  Mr Varian looked reminiscent.

  "About an hour old, I think," he replied; "maybe a little less."

  "Well, from that moment until this, you have persistently taken theopposite side in any discussion we have had."

  "But if I hadn't, Betty, there would have been no discussion! And,usually there hasn't been. You're a spoiled baby,--you always have beenand always will be. Your will is strong and as it has almost never beenthwarted or even curbed, you have grown up a headstrong, wilful, perverseyoung woman, and I'm sure I don't know what to do with you!"

  "Get rid of me, Dad," Betty's laugh rang out, while her looks quitebelied the rather terrible character just ascribed to her.

  One foot tucked under her, she sat in a veranda swing, now and thentouching her toe to the floor to keep swaying. She wore a sand-coloredsport suit whose matching hat lay beside her on the floor.

  Her vivid, laughing face, with its big gray eyes and pink cheeks, itsscarlet lips and white teeth was framed by a mop of dark brown wavy hair,now tossed by the strong breeze from the sea.

  The veranda overlooked the ocean, and the sunlit waves, stretching faraway from the great cliff were dotted in the foreground with small craft.

  Frederick Varian sat on the veranda rail, a big, rather splendid-lookingman, with the early gray of fifty years showing in his hair and carefullytrimmed Vandyke beard.

  His air was naturally confident and self-assured, but in the face of thischit of a girl he somehow found himself at a disadvantage.

  "Betty, dear," he took another tack, "can't you understand the fatherlylove that cannot bear the idea of parting with a beloved daughter?"

  "Oh, yes, but a father's love ought to think what is for that daughter'shappiness. Then he ought to make the gigantic self-sacrifice that may benecessary."

  A dimple came into Betty's cheek, and she smiled roguishly, yet with acanny eye toward the effect she was making.

  But Varian looked moodily out over the sea.

  "I won't have it," he said, sternly. "I suppose I have some authority inthis matter and I forbid you to encourage any young man to the point of aproposal, or even to think of becoming engaged."

  "How can I ward off a proposal, Dad?" Betty inquired, with an innocentair.

  "Don't be foolish. Of course you can do that. Any girl with yourintelligence knows just when an acquaintance crosses the line of merefriendship----"

  "Oh, Daddy, you are _too_ funny! And when you crossed the line of merefriendship with mother,--what did she do?"

  "That has nothing to do with the subject. Now, mind, Betty, I am notjesting,--I am not talking idly----"

  "You sound very much like it!"

  "I'm not. I'm very much in earnest. You are not to encourage the definiteattentions of any----"

  "All right, let Rod Granniss come up here then, and I promise not toencourage him."

  "He shall not come up here, because he has already gone too far, and youhave encouraged him too much----"

  "But I love him, Daddy,--and--and I think you might----"

  "Hush! That's enough! Don't let me hear another word now or everregarding Granniss! He is crossed off our acquaintance, and if hepersists in staying here, we will go away!"

  "Why, Father, we've only just come!"

  "I know it, and I came here, thinking to get you away from that man. Hefollowed us up here,----"

  "He was here before we came!"

  "But he didn't come until he knew we were coming."

  "All right, he came because he wanted to be where I am. And I want to bewhere he is. And you'd better be careful, Father, or I may take the bitin my teeth and----"

  "And run off with him? That's why I came here. You can't get away. Youperfectly well know that there's no way down from this house but by thatone narrow path,--I suppose you've no intention of jumping into the sea?"

  "Love will find a way!" Betty sang, saucily.

  "It isn't love, Betty. It's a miserable childish infatuation that willpass at once, if you lose sight of the chap for a short time."

  "Nothing of the sort! It's the love of my life!"

  Varian laughed. "That's a fine-sounding phrase, but it doesn't meananything. Now, child, be reasonable. Give up Granniss. Be friends withall the young people up here, boys and girls both, but don't let me hearany foolishness about being engaged to anybody."

  "Do you mean for me never to marry, Father?"

  "I'd rather you didn't, my dear. Can't you be content to spend your dayswith your devoted parents? Think what we've done for you? What we'vegiven you,----"

  "Dad, you make me tired! What have you given me, what have you done forme, more than any parents do for a child? You've given me a home, foodand clothing,--and loving care! What else? And what do I owe you forthat, except my own love and gratitude? But I don't owe you the sacrificeof the natural, normal, expectation of a home and husband of my own! I'mtwenty,--that's quite old enough to think of such things. Pray rememberhow old mother was when she married you. She was nineteen. Suppose herfather had talked to her as you're talking to me! What would you havesaid to him, I'd like to know!"

  By this time Fred Varian was walking with quick short strides up and downthe veranda. Betty rose and faced him, standing directly in his path.

  "Father," she said, speaking seriously, "you are all wrong! You don'tknow what you're talking about----"

  "That will do, Betty!" When Varian's temper was roused he could speakvery harshly, and did so now. "Hush! I will not hear such words from you!How dare you tell me I don't know what I'm talking about! Now you make upyour mind to obey me, or I'll cut off all your association with the youngpeople! I'll shut you up----"

  "Hush, yourself, Dad! You're talking rubbish, and you know it! Shut meup! In a turret of the castle, I suppose! On bread and water, I suppose!What kind of nonsense is that?"

  "You'll see whether it's nonsense or not! What do you suppose I took thisisolated place for, except to keep you here if you grow too independent!Do you know there is no way you can escape if I choose to make you aprisoner? And if that's the only way to break your spirit, I'll do it!"

  "Why, Father Varian!" Betty looked a little scared, "whatever has comeover you?"

  "I've made up my mind, that's all. For twenty years I've humored you andindulged you and acceded to your every wish. You've been petted andspoiled until you think you are the only dictator in this family! Now atime has come when I have put my foot down----"

  "Well, pick it up again, Daddy, and all will be forgiven."

  Betty smiled and attempted to kiss the belligerent face looking down ather.

  But Frederick Varian repulsed the offered caress and said, sternly:

  "I want no affection from a wilful, disobedient child! Give me your word,Betty, to respect my wishes, and I'll always be glad of your lovingways."

  But Betty was angry now.

  "I'll give you no such promise! I shall conduct myself as I please withmy friends and my acquaintances. You know me well enough to know that Inever do anything that is in bad form or in bad taste. If I choose toflirt with the young men, or even, as you call it, encourage them, Ipropose to do so! And I resent your interference, and I deny your rightto forbid me in such matters. And, too, I'll go so far as to warn youthat if you persist in this queer attitude you've taken,--you'll besorry! Remember that!"

  Betty's eyes flashed, but she was quiet rather than excited.

  Varian himself was nervous and agitated. His fingers clenched and hislips trembled with the intensity of his feelings and as Betty voiced herrebellious thoughts he stared at he
r in amazement.

  "What _are_ you two quarreling about?" came the surprised accents of MrsVarian as she came out through the French window from the library andlooked curiously at them.

  "Oh, Mother," Betty cried, "Dad's gone nutty! He says I never can marryanybody."

  "What nonsense, Fred"; she did not take it at all seriously. "Of course,Betty will marry some day, but not yet. Don't bother about it atpresent."

  "But Daddy's bothering very much about it at present. At least, he'sbothering me,--don't let little Betty be bothered, Mummy,--will you?"

  "Let her alone, Fred. Why do you tease the child? I declare you two arealways at odds over something!"

  "No, Minna, that's not so. I always indulge Betty----"

  "Oh, yes, after I've coaxed you to do so. You're an unnatural father,Fred, you seem possessed to frown on all Betty's innocent pleasures."

  "I don't want her getting married and going off and leaving us----" hegrowled, still looking angry.

  "Well, the baby isn't even engaged yet,--don't begin to worry. And, too,that is in the mother's province."

  "Not entirely. I rather guess a father has some authority!"

  "Oh, yes, if it's exercised with loving care and discretion. Don't youbother, Betty, anyway. Father and mother will settle this little argumentby ourselves."

  "I'd rather settle it with Dad," Betty declared spiritedly. "It's tooridiculous for him to take the stand that I shall never marry! I'mwilling to promise not to become engaged without asking you both first;I'm willing to say I won't marry a man you can convince me is unworthy;I'm willing to promise anything in reason,--but a blind promise never tomarry is too much to ask of any girl!"

  "Of course, it is!" agreed Mrs Varian. "Why do you talk to her like that,Fred?"

  "Because I propose to have my own way for once! I've given in to you twoin every particular for twenty years or more. Now, I assert myself. I sayBetty shall not marry, and I shall see to it that she does not!"

  "Oh, my heavens!" and Mrs Varian wrung her hands, with a wail of nervouspettishness, "sometimes, Fred, I think you're crazy! At any rate, you'llset me crazy, if you talk like that! Do stop this quarrel anyhow. Kissand make up, won't you? To think of you two, the only human beings onearth that I care a rap for, acting like this! My husband and my child!The only things I live for! The apple of my eye, the core of my soul,both of you,--can't you see how you distress me when you are at odds! Andyou're always at odds! Always squabbling over some little thing. But,heretofore, you've always laughed and agreed, finally. Now forget thisfoolishness,--do!"

  "It isn't foolishness," and Varian set his lips together, doggedly.

  "No, it isn't foolishness," said Betty quietly, but with a look ofindomitable determination.

  "Well, stop it, at any rate," begged Mrs Varian, "if you don't I shall gointo hysterics,--and it's time now for the Herberts to come."

  Now both Fred and Betty knew that a suggestion of hysterics was no idlethreat, for Minna Varian could achieve the most annoying demonstrationsof that sort at a moment's notice. And it was quite true that theexpected guests were imminent.

  But no truce was put into words, for just then a party of three peoplecame in sight and neared the veranda steps.

  The three were Frederick Varian's brother Herbert and his wife anddaughter. This family was called the Herberts to distinguish them fromthe Frederick Varian household.

  The daughter, Eleanor, was a year or two younger than Betty, and thegirls were friendly, though of widely differing tastes; the brothersVarian were much alike; but the two matrons were as opposite as it ispossible for two women to be. Mrs Herbert was a strong character, almoststrong-minded. She had no patience with her sister-in-law's nerves orhysterical tendencies. It would indeed be awkward if the Herberts were toarrive in the midst of one of Mrs Frederick's exhibitions oftemperamental disturbance.

  "Wonderful place!" exclaimed Herbert Varian as they ascended the steps tothe verandah. "Great, old boy! I never saw anything like it."

  "Reminds me of the Prisoner of Chillon or the Castle of Otranto or----"said Mrs Herbert.

  "Climbing that steep path reminded me of the Solitary Horseman," Herbertinterrupted his wife. "Whew! let me sit down! I'm too weighty a person tovisit your castled crag of Drachenfels very often! Whew!"

  "Poor Uncle Herbert," cooed Betty; "it's an awful long, steep pull, isn'tit? Get your breath, and I'll get you some nice, cool fruit punch. Comeon, Eleanor, help me; the servants are gone to the circus,--every lastone of 'em----"

  "Oh, I thought you were having a party here this afternoon," Eleanorsaid, as she went with Betty.

  "Not a party, a picnic. They're the proper caper up here. And only alittle one. The baskets are all ready, and the men carry them,--then wego to a lovely picnic place,--not very far,--and we all help get thesupper. You see, up here, if you don't let the servants go off skylarkingevery so often, they leave."

  "I should think they would!" exclaimed Eleanor, earnestly; "I'm ready toleave now! How do you stand it, Betty? I think it's fearful!"

  "Oh, it isn't the sort of thing you'd like, I know. Put those glasses onthat tray, will you, Nell? But I love this wild, craggy place, it's likean eagle's eyrie, and I adore the solitude,--especially as there areplenty of people, and a golf club and an artist colony and all sorts ofnice things in easy distance."

  "You mean that little village or settlement we came through on the wayfrom the station?"

  "Yes; and a few of their choicest inhabitants are coming up thisafternoon for our picnic."

  "That sounds better," Eleanor sighed, "but I'd never want to stay here.Is Rod Grannis here? Is that why you came?"

  "Hush, Nell. Don't mention Rod's name, at least, not before Father. Yousee, Dad's down on him."

  "Down on Rod! Why for?"

  "Only because he's too fond of little Betty."

  "Who is? Rod or your father?"

  Betty laughed. "Both of 'em! But, I mean, Dad is down on any young manwho's specially interested in me."

  "Oh, I know. So is my father. I don't let it bother me. Fathers are alllike that. Most of the girls I know say so."

  "Yes, I know it's a fatherly failing; but Dad is especially rabid on thesubject. There you take the basket of cakes and I'll carry the tray."

  It was nearly five o'clock when the picnic party was finally ready tostart for its junketing.

  Mrs Blackwood had arrived, bringing her two promised young men, TedLandon and John Clark.

  Rearrayed in picnic garb, the house guests were ready for the fun, andthe Frederick Varians were getting together and looking over the basketsof supper.

  "If we could only have kept one helper by us," bemoaned Minna Varian, herspeech accompanied by her usual wringing of her distressed hands. "Ibegged Kelly to stay but he wouldn't."

  "The circus is here only one day, you know, Mrs Varian," Landon told her,"and I fancy every servant in Headland Harbor has gone to it. But commandme----"

  "Indeed, we will," put in Betty; "carry this, please, and, Uncle Herbert,you take this coffee paraphernalia."

  Divided among the willing hands, the luggage was not too burdensome, andthe cavalcade prepared to start.

  "No fear of burglars, I take it," said Herbert, as his brother closed thefront door and shook it to be sure it was fastened.

  "Not a bit," and Frederick Varian took up his own baskets. "No one canpossibly reach this house, save through that gate down by the lodge. Andthat is locked. Also the windows and doors of the house are all fastened.So if you people have left jewelry on your dressing tables, don't bealarmed, you'll find it there on your return."

  "All aboard!" shouted Landon, and they started, by twos or threes, but ina moment were obliged to walk single file down the steep and narrow path.

  "Oh, my heavens!" cried Betty, suddenly, "I must go back! I've forgottenmy camera. Let me take your key, Father, I'll run and get it in aminute!"

  "I'll go and get it for you, Betty," said Varian, setting down hisburden.

&n
bsp; "No, Dad, you can't; it's in a closet, behind a lot of other things, andyou'd upset the whole lot into a dreadful mess. I know you!"

  "Let me go, Miss Varian," offered several of the others, but Betty wasinsistent.

  "No one can get it but myself,--at least, not without a lot of delay andtrouble. Give me the key, Father, I'll be right back."

  "But, Betty----"

  "Oh, give her the key, Fred!" exclaimed his wife; "don't torment thechild! I believe you enjoy teasing her! There, take the key, Betty, andrun along. Hurry, do, for it's annoying to have to wait for you."

  "Let me go with you," asked John Clark, but Betty smiled a refusal andran off alone.

  Most of them watched the lithe, slight figure, as she bounded up therugged, irregular steps, sometimes two of them at a time, and at lastthey saw her fitting the key into the front door.

  She called back a few words, but the distance was too great for them tohear her clearly, although they could see her.

  She waved her hand, smilingly, and disappeared inside the house, leavingthe door wide open behind her.

  "Extraordinary place!" Herbert Varian said, taking in the marvelous cragfrom this new viewpoint.

  "You must see it from the clubhouse," said Landon; "can't you all comehere tomorrow afternoon, on my invite?"

  "We'll see," Mrs Varian smiled at him, for it was impossible not to likethis frank, good-looking youth.

  The conversation was entirely of the wonders and beauties of HeadlandHouse, until at last, Mrs Blackwood said, "Isn't that child gone a longwhile? I could have found half a dozen cameras by this time!"

  "She is a long time," Frederick Varian said, frowning; "I was justthinking that myself. I think I'll go after her."

  "No, don't," said his wife, nervously, "you'll get into an argument withher, and never get back! Let her alone,--she'll be here in a minute."

  But the minutes went by, and Betty didn't reappear in the open doorway.

  "I know what she's up to," and Frederick Varian shook his head, inannoyance.

  Whereupon Mrs Frederick began to cry.

  "Now, Fred, stop," she said; "Herbert, you go up to the house and tellBetty to come along. If she can't find her camera, tell her to comewithout 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. It's allright, Minna, I won't tease the child,--I promise you. It's all right,dear."

  He kissed his wife lightly on the brow, and started off at a swingingpace up the rocky flight of steps.

  "I'll fetch her," he called back, as he proceeded beyond hearingdistance. "Chirk up, Minna, Janet; tell her I shan't abuse Betty."

  "What does he mean by that?" asked Mrs Herbert of Mrs Frederick, as sherepeated the message.

  "Oh, nothing," and Mrs Frederick clasped her hands resignedly. "Only youknow how Betty and her father are always more or less at odds. I don'tknow why it is,--they're devoted to each other, yet they're alwaysquarreling."

  "They don't mean anything," and her sister-in-law smiled. "I know themboth, and they're an ideal father and daughter."