The Hickman courier., 1922-04-13

nind me cups and saucers, explained
thst Mrs. Carter was visiting with
niends-having a beautiful time. TOO
apparently.
Perhaps Nina suspected that some
thihg was unusual She looked from
her rather to Harriet. and after a
moments silence asked abruptly:
when is Mother coming back?'
1 don't know" her father an
swered. quickly.
Say, listen; are we going 10 Dress"
asked Amy Nina. instantly diverted
suggested that they 90 I'm. Nina.
awkward bignesS and Amy's mousv
neutral tones were aS wen displayed
IN one garment as another. hut both
girls debated over pinks and blues.
crepes and mulls, every evening. as
" the world was watching them alone.
Harriet fingered FOR only a word.
Mr.. Carter. il occurred Ia me that
old Mrs. Singleton is going to Cali
forn'a, L. her own car, tomorrow.
! was wondering IL we might con-
nde In Mrs. Singieton-she was al
=. Y
give out the impression that Mrs. Car
ter had suddenly decided ia make the
trip with her"
That's an idea" Richard said,
thpughtfully. II could see Mrs. Sin
gieton and-and talk il over"
1T might serve for only a few
dnys.' Harriet submitted.
Yes I b..
Well, ! can give Nina a hint now :"
Harriet said. going
But il was too late for any soothing
deception Of Nina. A scene was In
full progress I'm Nina's bedroom. and
Harriet's eye had only To go from
the prone form on the bed 10 the
crushed newspaper that had drifted 10
the floor. Ia know that the secret was
out. ISabelle's face radiant and hap
by. looked out from the page. II was
isnked by two smaller pictures. Rich
ards and Anthony Pope's. Harriet
could see the hig letters: Young
Millionalre-Wife of Richard Carter"
The deluge WAS upon them.
"Oh-it's Iie-it's a lie, Ny beau
tiful little mother" Nina was sob-i
hing. "Oh. no. It's not true, It's
liei Oh. how shall | ever hold up my
head again--to he disgraced-now
just when I'm so young--and ha-h-
happy"
Nina. my child. control yourself,"
Harriet. ignoring the staring and pale
faced Amy. sat down on the edge Of
the bed. and shook the girl slightly.
'You mustn't give way Come now.
my dear. you must face this like a
woman. Think how your father and
Ward will look 70 you
Acting all of II. said Harriet In her
soul. But despite the youthful appe-
tite for heroics. there were real tears
In Nina's eyes. as there had been in
her grandmother's a few hours ago.
"Yas. that's true she said. wiping
"A swollen face on the handkerchief
Harriet supplied. But OIL don't be
lieve il, and my father VIII sue them
for libel, you see If he Doesn't My
mothers the purest and sweetest and
best woman alive-and I'll kill any one
who says any differentr
10000. to see II in the paper there.
reedy. colorIess little voice, as Nina
stopped suddenly. 10000, | thought
Nina would die, :" Nina began to cry
again, but more quietly. II guess had
better GO" Amy finished, plaintively.
"Oh. no." said Nina, In choked
voice, as she clung TO her frined. No.
darling you stay with me. Oh. 1
must 20 see my father, and my poor
grandmother Oh. Amy, perhaps you
had better go. for my family VIII need
me tonight. My mother" said Nina.
crying again.
She and Amy parted solemnly. with
many kisses.
Its a thing that might happen to
me. or to any girl" said Amy gravely.
Harriet had an upsetting vision OF
stout, high-busted Mrs. Hawkes., pant
ing as she discussed the details Of the
Red Cross drive. hut she was very
sympathetic with the young girls, and
uNulHlW&0n