The Holbrook news., 1922-02-17

 ne auuea grimly. Here's Hansen now. Lovely children" he added, of the young Davenports and some inti- mates who were tumbling out of the car, "lovely mother"
 "You'll not speak of this yet?" Har- riet said. suddenly thinking of David and Linda. My sister might think it lacked deliberation-So close upon Mrs. Carter's death. I'd rather have a little time, get things strengthened out"
 "Oh. certainly-certainly! She codld see he was relieved, was in- deed in cheerful spirits, as he gave his furred hand to the children's nit tened ones. They thanked him shrilly and Hansen smiled warmly upon liar riet as he touched his cap. Then they were gone Linda. watching from the window. thought that the chauffeurs obvious respect for Harriet was rather impressive. She came to the porch, and Richard waved his farewell to them an maSSe.
 Hes very nice." sa,t: Linda. Poor fellow, he probably would have had an entirely different moral code, if his life had been different!' Harriet inwardly writhed. but she did not stir in the sisterly embrace of Linda's arm.
 
 At three o'clock the next afternoon Nina Carter, leaving the Hawkes. man. SiOI. in New York city. with great many laughing farewellS, descended to he; fathers waiting car and discov- cred. sitting therein. an extremely handsome young woman, furred and trimly yelled, and deep in pleasant conversation with Hansen.
 Miss Harriet" Nina ejaculated in tone that betrayed a vague resent. ment as well as definite surprise.
 "Nina. dear." Harriet accepted Nina's kiss warmly. Are you glad to see me?" And as Nina stumbled in and established herself. Harriet continued easily: Your father and I had talk. my dear, and he sug- gested that I come back for while. So Hansen picked me up at the office and here I am He tried to telephone you, I know. hut you were out. And Iow," said Harriet, glancing at her wrist watch, q think we will go right home. please, HanSen"
 Nina had been her own mistress for several delicious weeks, and to have any sort of restriction again was very unpGlatable to her. She sulked all the way home and Madame Carter, meeting them at CrOwnlands, gaZed rather stonily at the newcomer. grant ing her only the briefeSt greeting. But. oh, how hOmelike and welcoming the beautiful place. mantled in snow. looked to Harri@t's eyes. The snap ping fires. the warmth and fragrance of the big rooms and the very obvious welcome of the maids, all were en- chanting to her. Her first duty was to make brief tour below stairs, af- ter which slie went up to her own room.
 When they returned from Hunting ton in the fall. she and Nina, at Rich ards suggestion, had taken Isabelle's handsome rooms, turning both into bedrooms and sharing the dressing rooms and bath that joined them. It was here that Harriet found Nina awaiting her, still with her hat on and lettering with obvious discomfi- ture.
 Miss Harriet '" Nina said with a rush. You are so sweet about things like this. wonder if you will mind taking the yellow guest room-it's really much larger-and leaving this room? You see, when have friends" Harriet, at the dressing table, had raised her hamls to remove her hat. Like any general, she realized the crisis of the apparently unlmportant moment and met 1t by instinct.
 But you have an extra bed, besides the couch, in your room, Ninai :"
 Nina cleared her throat, threw back her head. regarded Harriet between half-closed eyelids in manner Harriet realized was new. and drawled:
 'I kDow. But if you would be so very ktnd-:"
 Do you know, I'm afraid shan't be SO very kind!" Harriet said, briskly.