American Fork citizen. [volume] (American Fork, Utah) 1912-1979, 1922-05-13
CHAPTER X.

$50 s"at DctB inc most Jo0e0
heart singing and the weariest blood
TO moving more quickly. Harriet was
through with her housekeeping and
her luncheon, and meditating a letter
to Linda, when Ida Tabor fiuttered In.
Harriet heard the gay voice at the
foot Of the stairs: "Oh, sweetheart 1,
Where's my little girir
Mrs. Tabor looked q triie dashed
when only Harriet responded, although
she Immediately assured Miss Field
cordially with bright insincerity that
she had known Of her return. and was
so glad!"
I've been sort Of big sister here"
she said, laughingiy. "and, my Lord,
these kids have managed things won
derfully! But I suppose sooner or
later the machinery would have
stalled without your fine Italian
hand r.
"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 as that you
were just resting and looking about"
she said. innocently. "and Dlck--gen.
erous that he SHOULDN'T feel com.
Portable about II, I suppose!
Richard had telephoned Harriet
at three o'clock that the m0rningspa.
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. II would be fatal to
have Ida Tarbor here when Richard
Carter returned.
II might run up now and see the old
ladyw said Mrs. Tabor, who had flung
of her furs. and beautifled herself At
her handbag mirror. She pressed her
lips together for the red coloring. "Mr.
Carter be here tonight1" she asked
casually.
Bottomley caused ali interruption.
Harriet turned to- him with relief. But
unfortunately he answered the ven
question she wns trying 10 evnds.
"Mr. Carter had Just telephoned m.
and says that Ell be ere at about six.
mr.
"Oh, thank you, Bottomleyw 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 ] won't be
In the way perhaps might stay and
see Nina; we've become great chums.
I suppose I'd better 60 to the room
always havef Then ri run up and
get the latest news Of the Battle Of
Shiloh from Madame Carter"
II was now or never: Harriets heart
began to beat. Madame Carter has
gone driving" she said. "She may be
In at any moment. but before she
comes, want to speak to you. We've
had terrible news here. Mrs. Tabor.
Mr. Carter Is coming home to tell the
and his mother tonight. Mr..
Pope cabled from Paris on Christmas
eve that Mrs. Carter suddenly died
that dayi"
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
how reached chair. and burst Into
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 innocently she added:
THE Fordyces the Bellamys--every.
one who knew her--are In total ignor-
unce OF II II you do tell them, Mrs.
there IL no reason why
you shouldn't"
"Oh, I shall stay here with Nina to-
night. anyway" the visitor said, de-
"She'll need me. of course
Poor little thingi"
1T seems too bud to spoil your New
Years plans" Harriet said. smiling.
but you know Nina She will put
those long arms Of hers about YOU
and she won't hear Of your leaving her
for days! With Nina" Harriet pur-
sued thoughtfully. 1T isn't SO much
lhnr one cant find a good excuse. AZ
that she won't hear Of excuses at all
remember when Mrs. Carter first
went away, there we're days Of IT.
weeks OF it!---Just talk. tears. and talk
my arm used to ache from the weight
NJ N,na's arm! Mr.. Carter intends TO
'raye for Chicago tomorrow. Ward
viii probably 60 up to the Eatons'--"
parrlet rambled on. not unconscious
Il AZ she was making. an impression.
Anyway" she finished, 1--WE shall be
quiet and alone here. and
."nr being here would simply save the
lay Tor Nina !"
"Oh. really couldn't stay over New
Years" Mrs. Tabor. looking slightly
lIs'pm.ted. said slowly. "You see. the
forlyres--" She looked undecided,
tnd bin her under-lip.
"one wonders--?" abe said, muslng-
Is. "of course. shouldn't want to In
"A. .l..l.s A.