Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1917-04-14
INSIDER''
CHAPTER XVIII
by virginia Terhune Van de Water,

me into a taXicab he explained that
he had an errand TO attend to, and
would take the subway home.
Leaning back comfortably in the
cab, | was glad that my employer
had the tact not to appear at his
house in my company. 1t might have
caused comment from Mrs, Gore or
the servants had he done this. l felt
thoroughly satisfied with the result of
my conversation of the past hour.
l had kept my promise to Tom. l
would not tell the lad yet, for L did
not want him TO know that his father
and | had met at the Waldorf, since
Mr.. Norton had not intimated to his
sister-in-law that we were 10 do this.
The slight dupliCity made me a bit
uncomfortable, yet l could not so be-
yond Mr.. Norton's wishes. And, after
all. whose business was it?
This question was one that l put
10 myself often during my sojourn in
the home of Mr.. Brewster Norton.
Grace was still at the supper table
in the dining room when Julia opened
the front door for me. AS the child
heard my voice, she ran out into the
"Goody! goody!" she exclaimed.
You're back home!"
Yes, dear, l am," I said as 1
kissed her. Have you finished your
supper"
me. Don't you want some?'
| recalled Mr.. Nortons declaration
that l was to dine with the family
tonight. l did not care to do this.
l feared that Mrs. Cores suspicious
might be aroused if, on top of the
mysterious business" on which l had
gone, l were to accede to her brother
in-law's request and appear at dinner
without her having been informed
that l was to do so. But l did not
want to face my employer and refuse
to do his bidding.
Il am not hungry l told Grace
truthfully as We went upstairs
Mrs. Gore was in the door of her
room and heard this statement.
But you must eat something" she
argued. You have had nothing since
luncheon"
One Admission
Il had a cup of tea while / was
out" l said without pausing to con-
slider the effect of this admission.
"Oh. did you" The exclamation
was indicative of strong surprise.
Il thought you would have time
only for the matter my brother wish
ed attended to. Where did YOU get
your tea"
AT a restaurant" l replied.
l fancied that she looked after me
suspiciously as l went on upstairs
with Grace.
Although 1 talked while I helped
the little girl to undress, my mind was
busy with the information 1 had
thoughtlessly given Mrs. Gore. Why
had l been off my guard to such an
extent? She had remembered that
Mr.. Norton had said the business"
/ was to attend to for him would take
all my time. How, then, was l able to
stop for a cup of tea?
My mistake strengthened me in my
1 4 ,g~es =
night Were l TO appear at the family
board after my indiscreet speech, Mrs.
Gore might jump at the conclusion
that had seen Mr.. Norton this after
noon and that he had asked me to
come down to dinner.
AS I heard the front door close I
hastened Graces preparations for bed.
A tap at the door made me start.
Maggie stood there, a covered tray in
her hand.
Mrs. Gore has sent you up your
supper, Miss Dart, as you wasn't in
when Miss Grace had hers. If you're
not ready for it yet I'll take it back
to the kitchen and keep it hot for
YOU"
No, indeed" I told her; you can
put it in my room, please
l had not stopped to remove my
hat and jacket before getting Craze
into bed. Now, as 1 drew the COW
ers up over her, l spoke slowly and
distinctly
Listen. dear. I am going into my
own room to change my street dress
for a house gown. As / shall be busy,
I would rather not be disturbed. Will
you remember that"
\ Useless PrcCaution
Yes" she agreed. "And will not
call YOU"
Not unless you need me very
much,' 1 supplemented. But if you
do really need me, call me-"
Il will" she promised.
Then, as 1 heard her fathers step
in the upper hall, I kissed her good
night and slipped into my room, clos
ing the door softly but tightly.
The little girl obeyed my instruc-
tions. Ten minutes later, when l had
donned a comfortable house gown and
was about to seat myself at my table
before my rapidly cooling supper. l
heard Mr.. Norton say as he left the
nursery:
Goodnight, little daughter. I sup
pose Miss Dart is in her room? I
want to speak to her."
l held my breath anXiously and
drew a sigh of relief as my small
charge informed her father that Miss
Dart had gone to her room to change
her dress and must not be disturbed"
"Oh, she mustn't, eh?" the man in
them"
Five minutes after he had gone
downstairs, there was a knock at my
door. and Julia entered.
please, ma'am, Mr.. Norton sent
me up to say that he would like you
to come down to dinner with him
and Mrs. Core" the girl announced.
l had forescen this situation, and
had my answer ready.
Thank Mr.. Norton, Julia" I order
ed, "and say that ] have had my din
ner. Mrs. Gore kindly sent it up to
me some time ago."
The girl smiled. "Yes'm. But Mr..
Norton didn't know that
Il suppose not" 1 rejoined. "By
the way, thank Mrs. Gore for her
thoughtfulness, please. Julia"
"Yes'm, I will" she said. There
was a shrewd smile on the maids
face. 1t made me wonder what she
was thinking of.
ITO be continued)
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