New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1917-11-21
Why Madge Was Shocked at the
Change in Katherine.

Free to find Katherine and take one
step at least in solving the mystery
of the newspaper clippings which
had been sent to me in so sinister
manner!
My spirits rose with the thought as
I parted from my mother-in-law at
Feltman's, where she meant to start
her hunt for draperies for our home.
1t was worth even the sacrifice I had
made, the giving over into my moth
er-in-law's hands the entire question
of draperies and upholsteries for my
new home, with no taste OF my own
considered. Happy in this mission
she had been glad to dispense with my
company, even volunteering to get her
tea and go home by herself.
I hurried to the nearest telephone
booth and called the boarding house
where Katherine was staying, and
where she always left her telephone
address if she were out. She wasn't
there. In fact, I did not expect to
find her there at that hour Of the
day-but 1 secured the phone number
of the place where she was that day
her work for DR.. Braithwaite, head of
one Of the biggest hospital units in
France, called her into many widely
differing places-and in a few min
utes more heard her familiar voice
over the wire.
"Madge! oh, my dear, I am SO
glad to hear your voice. Where are
you -
ION Fifth avenue, near Feltman's
Katherine, must see you just as soon
as possibly can. An emergency has
49, oh ~ -la r 80
How soon can you get away? It's
most important Or I wouldn't ask you
to leave your work"
II can leave here In five minutes"
Katherine returned, without any of
the assurances and protests Of unlim-
tied time at my disposal with which
the average woman would have vast |
ed minutes. where shall meet !
your"
Is Katherine Unhappy?
How about the Library? It is very |
near me, and 1t isn't far from the !
building where you are, is it? Then |
we can decide where we want to CO."
THE Library-main entrance-in-
side of five minutes" Katherine an |
swered incisively. "Good-by."
When met her, inside the entrance |
to the wonderful library building !
which is the pride of New York, |
was shocked at Katherines appear
ance. The pretty bloom which had
made her cheeks f1ower-like was re-
placed by pallor that frightened me-
her face was thinner than I had ever
seem it, positively wan. and in her
brown eyes, which looked bigger than
ever. there was look that was sure
was one of repressed anguish. 81
''Why, Katherine" stepped back
after had kissed her and looked at !
her sharply. whatever is the mat
ter?"
"1've been working pretty hard"
she said shortly. But never mind me
now. We'll talk about that later
Tell me what's troubling you"
mot right here" I said Let us ]
go a little way down the corridor
where it Is more secluded"
We needed to go but a few feet to |
get out Of the way of the people COM |
ing through the entrance, and there |
was no one else to disturb us. But in |
those few minutes, had time to re-
proach myself for my neglect OF
Katherine.
T had known Of the misery my
brother-cousin, Jack Beckett, was
causing her by his jealousy of her !
employer, DR.. Braithwaite. Dicky's |
brother-in-law, and a -. distinguished
surgeon, who had gone to France
early in the war. I had resolved to
see Jack and to read him the lecture
he deserved. But he had been called
out Of the city a day or two after
Katherine had opened her heart to
me at my home, and had kept post
poning my interview with him after
knew that he had returned.
I was sure that his attitude was
the cause Of Katherine's evident I'M
happiness, and I resolved to seize