New Britain herald., 1925-07-06
Katherine Greets Madge with Some
 Surprising News

Surprising News
 1 waited only until Mother Gra- ham, still 'teary round the lashes," was safely in charge Of Marion and Junior, before rushing up to Dicky's room. which was occupying while my own was given up to Fanny Powell. There took from my pocket the tiny envelope which had dropped unnoticed from 'Steve's' hand when he was exhibiting his documents 10 me.
 A backward glance at the little group had shown me Marion's slen- der but sturdy young arm thrust through that of the old woman, while on the other side Junior clung 10 his beloved "Danzie's" hand, gab- ping happily. Already my mother-in- laws figure had lost its droop, and I could hear her voice. strong and firm in comparison to the tremu- lous tones in which she had breathed her fear of steve"
 could dismiss her from my mind for the present. at least, I kneTV. and quaffed an imaginary toast to the children as :ourneyed upstairs.
 But with the envelope in my hand, my finger already beneath its uuseeled flap, there came ever me 8 curious reluctance to open 1t. AL though ! had no reason for such a belief, the intuitive conviction was stlil strong upon me that within the small envelope lay either the clue to "Steves" real identity or to some secret of his which would furnish Lillian and me some much needed ammunition in our coming battle with him.
 Might Establish His Identity
 On the other hano--and I knew that is was the real reason for my reluctance 10 open the envelope - there was the possibility of its con- tents, instead of weakening "Steves" claim or throwing 1t out altogether. might establish his identity without a doubt. With a little shiver l care fully tucked away the worn piece or paper in the secret bill compart- ment of my purse against the time when I could show 1t to Lillian.
 I must not bother her until after luncheon, for Katherine was care- fully regulating every minute of her time and every bit of food she put into her mouth, and the result Of s,jch care was showing in the almost miraculous rapidity of her recovery. She would not be strong for many weeks and work at her procession was forbidden her until Dr. Pettit should decide that she was beyond the danger of another breakdown. Rut she was so much better and stronger that our hearts were filled with thankful gladness. Even this was tempered by the knowledge that her own joy in her recovery was sbadowed by some secret worry which as yet she had refused to share with us.
 Katherine had diyined that f1nan- cial trouble because of her inabillty to work, and the consequent shut ling off of her income was at the bottom of her depression. During a conversation of mine with Dicky he had confirmed that belief and inti- mated that he had some scheme for Tightening the burden of dread which evidently was weighing upon her heart. He scarcely had had time vet to do anything. Now that "steve" was safely disposed of for a week. was as anxious for Dicky 10 come back to the farm as had been bent upon keeping him away when the interview with his pseudo brother was on the tapis'
 "Another Week to Work In"
 light knock on the door-kath- erIne's - made me tuck away my speculations in corner of my mind until I should have leisure to take them out again.
 Come in," I called. and an in stant later her piQuant face smiled at me from the doorway.
 "I heard you come in," she said and I couldn't walt to hear your news. So as my dear patient Is real lv asleep scooted over."
 It Is so unlike Katherine to be- tray any curiosity that it was with diffculty kept my eyebrows down. From somewhere within me came the conviction that 10 give news rot to receive it, was the real req son for her call, Locking st her closely I thought I recognized dis may struggling with amusement In her tacs, but. of course. l betrayed no sign Of my belief,
 T haver't very good a"vL" re turn.d, and in a :sp words ] sketch cd ths results of ny interview with "stc7e," lsav;nE uut any mention Of the tiny sav.lcpe. Of that l would .ress ta no one until alter Lillian nsa seen +.
 "Poszcs%ion 0, thosa tiings don't prove suuh'ng." Eaihesire sai1 d. dacasaiiy when had hnl2hed. well. at any ra.e, you have e7- other week 10 worE in and you'll