Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-05-30
"Where Is Miss TayLor?"

HARRIET knew that 1t was only a
4Aquestion of time before she would
be discovered. She thought Of this as
she dragged wearily up the stairs to
her room that night and the impulse to
tell some one the truth was overpower-
ing. She felt weak and sick and unable
to bear II any longer all alone. She
thought Of May Watson and stopped
at her closed door, but did not 60 in.
Something, she could not have told
what, urged her to keep on just little
longer. It happens that way sometimes,
It is like the second wind that comes to
a fighter, the last desperate struggle to
win against odds that seem overpower-
ing.
When she reached her room she
dropped Imply on the bed. Sounds
drifted into her from the hall, doors
opening and the scuffle Of feet ON the
stairs. The boarders were going down
to dinner. Some of them had been in
their rooms all day, and the dinner hour
was for them something to look forward
to. To Harriet It had always been the
most trying part Of her existence at
Mrs. Baxter's. She had found It i'm
possible to take part In the conversation
that went on. around her, and most of
the bosrders thought her snobbish and
did not take the trouble to conceal their
feelings.
May looked about for Harriet when
she reached the gloomy basement room.
OF late May had been worried about the
girl, she knew that something was
troubling her, and Harriet had been
very reticent about her caller the other
evening.
Where Is Miss Taylor?" asked Mrs.
Slocum pointedly, Of May.
IT don't know" May returned. "I
believe I'll run up TO her room and see
If she has come in"
mo doubt she's gone out to dinner
with the man who was here the other
night" Mrs. Baxter put in somewhat
maliciously.
But May did not wait for anything
more she flew out Of the room and up
the stairs to Harriet's room.
Harriet called, "Who is it?' as May
raped briskly on the door.
ITS May. Aren't you coming down
to dinner?"
II couldn't eat anything. I have a
headache"
May l come in?''
And at Harriet's Eyes" May opened
the door and went into the dark, hot,
little room.
II think you'd better come down"
she said firmly. standing by the bed
and looking down at Harriet. You'll
give all those nice old tabbies something
to talk about If you don't. Come on.
IT, - u IxNr
to be i'll. you know. A cold towel
on your face and some powder will fix
you there, isn't that better?'
May had a wet towel at the wash
stand and had held it for moment
against Harriet's hot face. Then she
had whisked a powder puff out Of the
drawer and was applying 1t In soft puffs
to the girls cheeks.
In spite of herself Harriet felt better,
and impulsively she turned to May and
kissed her shyly. You're a dear, and
I don't deserve to have you for a
friend" she said softly.
In the darkness the girls stood look
ing at each other for a moment then
May spoke. "I'd like to be your friend,
Harriet, I know you are in terrible
trouble of some kind, and l wish could
help. Did you know that Mrs. Baxter
knows something about you and has
just told the whole table about it2"
Knows something about me ~ Har-
riet's tone was tense with horror, she
shook all over and her knees seemed
to be giving way under her. Tell me
what she said" And she gripped Mays
arm so that it hurt.
May was staring at her in amazement
She was right and Harriet was really
in terrible trouble of some kind, for
nothing she had said could have had
the power to frighten the girl like this.
Tomorrow, Doubts and SuspiciOns)