The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1922-02-17
CHAPTER XII.

Morning found them half-burled ir
bright dazzle Of snow, the midwin
ter miracle that sets the most jadet
heart singing and the weariest blood
to moving more quickly. Harriet wa!
through with her housekeeping an(
her luncheon, and medltating lettel
to Linda, when Ida Tabor fiuttered In
Harriet heard the gay voice at thu
foot Of the stairs. "Oh, sweetheart
Where's my little girl7"
Mrs. Tabor looked trifie dashed
when only Harriet responded, although
she Immediately assured Miss Field
cordially with bright insincerity thai
she had known of her return. and was
$50 gladi"
1--WE been sort Of big sister here,
she said, laughingly, "and, my Lord
these kids have managed things won.
derfullyl But l suppose sooner OF
later the machinery would have
stalled without your fine italian
hand I"
'Mr. Carter asked me to come
back" Harriet stated. simply. She
thought the truth her best weapon,
but Mrs. Tabor was ready for her.
MARY Putnam told us that you
were just resting and looking about"
she said. innocently, "and Dick-gen-
erous that he is-couldn't feel COM
Portable about 1t, I supposew
Richard had telephoned Harriet
at three o'clock that the morning pa
pers would have "the news" and that
he was coming home to tell his chill
dren Of their mothers death, tonight
But she must get rid of this woman
now. somehow. 1t would be fatal to
have Ida Tarbor here when Richard
Carter returned.
Il might run up now and see the old
LADY," said Mrs. Tabor, who had flung
off her furs, and beautifled herself at
her handbag mirror. She pressed her
lips together for the red coloring. "Mr.
Carter be here tonight?" she asked,
casually.
Bottomley caused an interruption.
Harriet turned to him with relief. But
unfortunately he answered the very
question she was trying to evade.
"Mr. Carter had Just telephoned IN.
and says that ell be ere at about six.
mi"
"Oh. thank you, Bottomleyl !" Harriet
turned back to Ida, to see her compla-
Gently looosening outer wraps.
II came In the Warrens' car" said
she; they were to run over to say
Merry Christmas to the Bellamys, and
then pick me up. Buff I won't be
In the way perhaps / might stay and
see Nina; we've become great chums.
I suppose I'd better go to the room
always have7 Then I'll run up and
get the latest news of the Battle of
Shiloh from Madame Carter"
1t was now or never; Harriet's heart
began to beat. Madame Carter has
gone driving" she said. "She may be
In at any moment, but before she
comes, l want to speak to you. We've
had terrible news here, Mrs. Tabor.
Mr.. Carter Is coming home to tell the
children and his mother tonight. Mr..
eve that Mrs. Carter suddenly died
that day."
Ida Tabor never felt anything very
deeply, but her emotions we're accessi-
BILE enough, and violent while they
lasted. She grew white, gasped, some
honest tears. Isabelle Why, they
had been friends for years Why, she
had been so wonderfully well and
strong
Nobody knows It," Harriet said. |
And not quite innocertly she added: |
The Fordyces, the Bellamys-every-
one who knew her-are in total ignor-
ance of it, If you do tell them, Mrs.
Tabor-and there is no reason why |
you shouldn't"
"Oh, l shall stay here with Nina to-
hight, anyway" the visitor said. de-
,idedly. shell need me, of course
Poor little thingl"
1T seems too bad to spoil your New
Years plans" Harriet said, smiling,
but you know Nina She will put
hose long arms of hers about you
md she won't hear of your leaving her
or days. With Nina" Harriet pur-
ued, thoughtfully, at isn't so much
hat one can't find good excuse, as
hat she won't hear of excuses at all
remember when Mrs. Carter first
vent away, there were days Of it
weeks of 1t Just talk, tears. and talk
my arm used to ache from the weight l.
t Nina's arm Mr.. Carter intends to
cave for Chicago tomorrow, Ward
FILL probably go up to the Eatons'-"
Harriet rambled on, not unconscious
hat she was making an impression.
Anyway" she finished, 1--WE shan be
earthly quiet and alone here. and
our being here would simply save the
ay for Nina :"
@Oh. really couldn't stay over New !