Omaha daily bee., 1920-02-19
What Harriet Braithwaite Conveyed
to Madge.


Harriet Braithwaite pressed my
arm significantly when she gave me
a welcoming kiss. With Junior still
in my arms-for | had no intention
of relinquishing him to anybody for
awhile nodded understandingly,
and managed as soon as possible to
go up to my room which she was
occupying during her visit. Dicky,
my father and | were to continue
to accept Mrs. Durkee's neighborly
hospitality until the departure of our
visitors.
Come i'll, Margaret" she smiled
brightly at me and made me COM
Portable in her dignified, gracious
fashion. Harriet Braithwate is
woman who is the grande dame al
ways. But there is something about
her rare smile that one distinctly
values.
Before we speak of anything
else" she said when she had settled
Junior and me upon the chaise
lounge by the window, "let me tell
you that | fully appreciate the sue
cessful effort you made to keep your
poise when mother precipitated that
unfortunate incident about the
baby's recognition of you Mother
is one of the best women in the
world, but tact is word that isn't
in her vocabulary. The good fairy
who had that quality to give must
have been forcibly detained by some
wicked sprite at the time of her
christening. | must confess | had
my mlsgivings about the ultimate
consequences of having you two in
the same house, but you have man
aged her beautifully, my dear, and
as her daughter, Pm very ~ratefu to
YOU"
A Deprecating Request.
Thank you" | said bit tremu-
lousy, for | was still bit upset
emotionally.
= She looked at me shrewdly and
changed the subject abruptly.
Don't you want to let me take
care of Junior while you take your
tub?" she said. you look uncom-
fortably warm"
IF you add horribly dusty you
will describe me better" | replied.
But | have a weakness for leisure
ly bath, and perhaps you can i'm
agine how much chance | would
have OF that with Dicky waiting
for shower. | have told both
Dicky and my father that | will
wait until they are clothed and in
their right minds before | appro-
pirate the bathroom. Mrs. Under
wood and Marion have, of course,
gone to their rooms at the Durkees."
Then | need have no compunc-
tions about keeping you for little
chat?" she asked deprecatingly.
That is what | am here for" I
smiled, then, without further spar
ring went straight to the thing
knew was on her mind.
Il wrote to Katherine four days
ago and expected an answer out at
the camp before | left. But it didn't |
coHe. | left word for the mail to
be forwarded here. She is always
very prompt, and | am sure | will /.
hear from her by tomorrow. Did
Dicky mention having seen Jack in
town.
Katie Brings News.
No" There was startled note
ii her voice, though her face and
eyes didn't change their expression.
But | knew she was agog with in
terest.
They are going west within a
very short time" ] purposely made
NY news as concise as possible.
katherine isn't well. and Jack has
wonderful opportunity to take up
lis old work out there
He is better them" Mrs Braitt-
waite asked
"Dicky said he was looking much
,etter."
, Going away" she repeated the
words half to herself "I wonder
whether after all"
l had no chance to speculate upon
Ter meaning, for katie's unmistak-
lble knock sounded on the door.
Mrs. Braithwaite called, Come in"
nd my little maid appeared, rosy,
'eaming, with letter in her hand.
Dis come joost before you get