The Holbrook news., 1922-02-17
"Nfr.-who?"

 light she went into the little parlor, and Richard Carter stood up to greet her. and there was nobody else In the world Linda had introduced herself: David was introduced. Harriet glanced about helplessly; he had not come here to say Merry Christmas" surely.
 q suggested that Hansen take the little people for iive-minutes' drive" he explained, "and then I shall have to hurry back. I wanted to speak to you on a matter of business. Miss Field. l wonder-since you're well wrapped-if we might walk to the cor her and meet themj I'll only steal you from your family for five minutes"
 "Certainlyw Harriets heart was singing. She was hardly conscious of what he said; it was enough that he had sought her out. that she was to have one more word with him.
 'I came here to discuss my own plans. Miss Field" he said at the gate, s'but hint from your sister has made ne fear that perhaps l am too late. sNIt ltHS llc tiittl NOu ihaS bS hibh4hS plans Of your own"
 "David?" Harriet said. reSentfully. "I have no plans with David!" she said. simply.
 q didn't know," Richard answered "I came to ask you to come back. Things are in an absolute mess with us. We have not had a serene moment since you left us-three weeks ago"
 To go back-bacll to CrownlandS, Harriet's spirit scared. She knew she must go back, She had only despaired of their ever needing her again. Every fiber of her being strained toward the old life.
 Linda. my sister. thinks it would he unwise," she began. The man in terrupted her.
 There has been new turn of events. Miss Field. had some infor- nation last night which may make difference" he said, gravely. q re- ceived wire from Pope, in France. My wife-Isabelle-died on an opcrat- ing table yesterday afternoon, in Paris"
 Harriet. stupefied. could only look at him fiXedly for long minute Her lips parted, but she did not speak.
 "Died?" SAe whispered sharply. The man nodded without speaking. "But- but what was it?" Harriet said.
 For answer he gave her the crum- pied cable. with the bare statement of fact. She read it dazedlt, looked at his somber face. and read it again.
 T can't believe it." she said.
 Well, now" Richard began present. said, Miss Field in a mess. I haven't told the children this; they have lot of young people there over Christmas. My mother and Nina are planning some entertainment for New Years night, and l suppose this will end all that; should suppose that Nina and Yer brother must have period of mourning. I am deeply involved in a big project in Brazil, committee meet ings all through January-I can't swing it, that's all.
 Now, when We last talked of the subject together" Richard pursued in q businesslike way, you objected to the suggestion of marriage, because my wife was then still alive. Am l correct?'
 Yes. that's correctl' Harriet said, voicelessly. She felt herself beginning to tremble.
 My purpose in coming today was to suggest that, if that was your sole objection" the man continued, pains takingly, you might feel the situation changed now. I need you. We all do If it is my mother who makes it im- possible, or some other thing that l cannot change-why. l must get along as best I can. But my proposition is that you and l are quietly married tomOrro'I: you come back tomorrow night and announce it whenever you see it. I may seem little matter-Of- fact about this. Miss Field. but an hoping you understand. am making you an un ientimental business offer. I need you in my life and l offer you certain advantages which it would he silly and schoolboyish for me to deny I possess. l have q certain standing Tn the community which even Mrs. Carter's madness has not seemed to impair seriously. The boy and tie girl both love you. and you have my warmeSt friendship. Your position In my household win he as free and in- dependent as was lSahelle's. | do nGt know whether you will consider this fair return for what ask, for aftei all you are giving your services for life to the Carter household
 NOW, this is of course entirely sul- iect to what pleases you in the ma;' ter" he broke off, to say, emphaticaliy. "I merely throw it out as a sugges- ton. It would please me very muei,. I would draw long breath of relief to have it settled. Mrs. Tabor ls there-s,ays there; takes the head Lf my table. I spent last night at tie club; had cabled Pope-and expected an answer. but my mother telephone,l me at three o'clock this morning to say that Ward and some of his friends had gone out ice-sl;ating. Wards been dropped from his university. cant have that sort of thing, you knovw
 "When-did you want mel" Harriet brought her beautiful eyes back from some far vista.
 'I thought that if you could meet me at my office tomorrow I would have all the arrangements made