The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1921-12-22
When 4 GirI
 M0rries
By ANN LESLIE.
CHATTER Al,

CHAPTER Al.
 My poor sick lady" murmureu Hedwig, coming into my bedroom with proprietary air. I'll take good care of you.''
 Even before I looked up, I could imagine Miss Rathbun,s I lno1ghalL, 4e an amused twinkle as Hedwig rushed ahead:
 let me in a. all. That Bertha, she thinks she runs the ranch. We show her. what?"
 Then she fell ui3 on the Ded and turned the mattress Vugoriusly, with the evident intention of performIng bun liked none to well, but hadn't been able to shifs to Bertha
 presented my faithful maid to my nurse, and after a few minutes Miss Rathbun and Hedwig were on the best of terms. Hedwig. had none of the caste feeling which makes her of the household. She grumbled away about Bertha as she wena about her tasks.
 Pity that Bertha don't know any one else ever worked for my lady. Pity she thinks she's the only one tha: ever was fond of Mis- Harrison. She gave me to understand that there wouldn't be no welcome for me here and that she nurse was a regular she-dragon, keeping folks out. And you and me gets along fine, Miss. l always get along with quality
 Miss Rathbun smiled apprecia- .sHedwig," she said, "I can see that you're a good. faithful woman. to your care, you'd look out for her just as conscientiously as l do, wouldn't you?"
 My heart sank. Miss Rathbun was campaigning successfully and would soon have another jailer added tio my list. Her next word convinced me that was dealing with clever people who, if they fanted to keep me inn prisoned in this room at Dreamwold while ell sorS of things inimlcal to Jims interests went on, woule- man. age to turn every circumstance to in creasing my heIp1essness.
 Can leave my patient with you while I go down and get friend Ber- that to iron me uniform ?" asked Miss Rathbun. GOT will you go fol mel"
 watch her good. But I don't like should argue with that Bertha none.'' replied Hedwig-
 ''Hedwig will take excellent care -ot me-" said, hoping to speed the part. ing nurse and praying that shed have a good long session with Ser tha- Clever as she was I counted or compIacent smile told me I'd hur ried along too fast in my reasoning.
 ''You won't stir from the room Hedwig? ?'' demanded Miss Rathbur earnestly Promise you won't stir
 Sure promise" agreed Hedwig.
 My heara sank, but it feaped LII in another moment. Allowing Suff cient time for Miss Rathbun to reacf the lower floor, I slipped from tht cover which lay across my knees anC walked across the room as steadil! as I could manage.
 Miss Harrison, where you go?' asked Hedwig, adding apologeiically T promise watch you so good as thu nurse-''
 me, Hedwig,' I said coolly. But think you oversIep yourself whel you question me about my leayin:
 esm!" returned Hedwig, greatl! abashed-
 She made no move to interfer with me, and marched out of -l1 door and made my shaky way dowl the hall When I got to the stair they looked so long and steep that was afraid to negotiate them. I sd down for a moment seeking strength Then I managed to pick myself III and contrived a step at time. cling ing heavily ito the banisters as went-
 'tRarbara Anne, you have to mak it." told myself gruffly.
 tiptoed in'to the living room- Blu when I got there I had to sink on tn couch and rest. Fearfully I watche the door. for the minutes were tck ing bv quickly, and some one wa sure to come and discover me soon-
 tottered over to the telephone and pulling a chair into the nich where the telephone stands, l calle Neafs apartment. First l got a bus signal, then wrong number. Ne