Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-02-29
BY MARIA ALBANESI
Copyright 1907 by Maria AIbanesl.
CHAPTER X, (continued)

ofLsAT NCOHlllueul.
Yes they are very unlike, SAID
Katherine.
Mrs. Lancing lay still a minute or
two and then she opened her eyes
again and smiled
There was no light in the room ex-
cept the strong glow from the flames
which shop up the chimney From
below they could hear the murmur of
voices, and sometimes the excited
laughter of the children.
But you won't leave me just yet,
will you?'
II am afraid you will have to turn
me out when you want to get rid of
me-" said Katherine. Amoment later,
in low and moved voice, she said,
DO you imagine it would be SO easy
for me to separate myself from you
and the children"
The woman on the couch stretched
out her hand, and Miss Granger stoop-
ed forward and took hers.
I should like to think that you
would stick to me, that you would
never turn against me" she said, and
her lips quivered
Katherines only answer was to
tighten her hold on that slender hand.
Then she rose and put a warmer wrap
over Mrs. Lancing.
Don't you think if ! were to leave
you now you would sleep? Perhaps
had better go downstairs again, and
see what the children are doing. They
may be getting into mischief, and l
am sure Babsy. dear little heart, must
be nearly worn out"
And with some. persuation Mrs.
Lancing assented to this AS she
reached the big hall, the young gov
erness met Rupert Haverford.
Mrs. Lancing is resting. l have
persuaded her to lie down. She wants
to be well for dinner"
Rupert thanked her.
81 was just coming to look for you.
The children are clamou-ing to know
why Katherine had vanished? So
volunteered to find her. Are you
having a happy Christmas?" he asked
with a smile.
81 am happy altogether" the girl
answered him with a not of emotion
in her voice; sit is so wonderful to
find that after all have a little place
of my own in the world, and that
there are people who actually care to
know what is passing with me-
They moved together through the
big, comfortable hall to the room from
whence issued a babel Of voices and
music and laughter.
Il want you to give me five min
utes either today or tomorrow" said
Haverford, in answer to this; and
Katherine coloured holly.
Mrs. Lancing has just been tell
ing me little more about myself
she said nervously.
The warm colour in her cheeks was
reflected in Rupert Haverford's face
His manner was rather abrupt, and
his voice little hard, as he said:
II am sorry Camilla has spoken Of
this subject, for l particularly wished
to breach it to you myself"
At that moment Betty caught
sight of her. and Miss Granger haG
no opportunity Of replying. The chile
rushed towards them; her cheeki
were flaming, and her beautiful little
head was crowned with a tinsel cap
"Oh, you have found her!" she cried
I'VE have been wanting you ever
such lot, kathie dear. Where have
you been congregating to? Baby's
beginning to make nice noise. She!
sitting on Aunt Brenny's knee now
saying that she feels like to cry.
Then eagerly, "Kathie, l needn't g
to bed yet, need II? Say l needn't?'
Mrs. Brenton looked relieved to see
Katherine. In her lap sat a very tired
very cross, and much tumbled
lace-trimmed person
Katherine held out her arms.
Come along, sweetheart and Kath
crime will tell you lovely story al
To Yourself -
Shall | carry herr" Haverfort
asked.
Katherine shook her head
oh. no; she isn't bit neavy!"
She closed her arms round hel
little charge. Baby resested her flushed
cheek against the girls pale one, ant
her tiny arms tightly pressed round
Katherine's neck.
AS Haverford opened the door fol
her, Katherine gave him bright little
nod as she passed out.
81 think shall say Goodnight ;
she said, "for l shall not come dow1
again this evening. Baby wants tt
say Goodnight too, darling, dom
you?"
Rupert Haverford stopped and tn,
child turned and kissed him fondly
His head was very close to Katherine
she noticed how crispey his brown
hair curled just at the sides, and wha
fine brows he had Baby refused t,
let him go-refused to be taken from