New Britain herald., 1926-07-06
Katherine Wonders if Lucia Meredith Killed Herself.

"Deadi Lucia dead.
 Katherine's echo of the words Dicky had just uttered seemed to circle the room with I's startling lament. But l, less personally con- cerned than she. vas watching Dicky.s face. That he had not told all Of his grievous news l was sure. and the vague terror which l had felt ever since ] saw Lucia Meredith going ID the steps Of her home lean ing heavily upon her husbands arm began 10 take definite and horrible form.
 Dicky's eyes met mine and I think he must have read the question in them, for he nodded and then asked abruptly:
 Where is Kaue?'
 "Tn the kitchenette,' answered. knowing well that he vas thinking of our little maids most annoying fault-her overwecning curiosity with her accompanying propensity to listen al keyholes. Indeed, we scarcely had voiced the question and answer before the doors separating the front room from the kitchenette were thrust violently aside and Katie. making flying leap in my direction. caught me by the arm.
 "Oh-h-h my. Missis Graham ' sh" walled. "who dead? les ect mine Jaem 9"
 Mrs. Meredith Has Died.'
 That she was almost beside her self with terror we all saw. Dicky's face. which had darkened with anger at her unwarranted intrusion, ouicklv cleared. while Katherine, forgetting her own shock, stepped quickly toward the trembling girl was glad Of the diversion for my little kinsuoman. for whom this news held such peculiar horror. and, though l hastened 10 reassure my little maid. l saw 10 it that kath- crimes were the hands which clasp. cd and steadied Karte's,
 NO. no. no,' I said emphatlcally. Mrs. Meredith has just died and Mr. Graham has come to tell us about it."
 Katie drew quick and hysterical breath.
 "Oh. I so glad. No, ! no mean dot."-she checked herself ludi- crously with an evident remem- hrance Of the proprieties of speech 10 be observed when one hears of bereavement-"bu I so glad cet not dot Jecm. I hear Mecster Graham say somebody dead. und den I hear him ask Were dot Katie und 1 tink T don't know vot I tink."
 Tell Nc the Truth"
 She was still shaking with ner- yous excitement. and Katherine spoke i the soothing voice which is one of her chief professional assets.
 Go and lie down, Katie, for lit- tie while. Can I see to anything about the things on inc stove"
 The gentle question was like a spur to my generous-hearted little maid.
 "yot II tink of dot?" She ad- dressed us all impartially. Here I am init nodlngs happen to me. und I stand here like baa-baa sheep, shaking all over. Ind Missis Bickett she hear about friend dying und she offer do my york. No, no; Katie on job again. Tanks, eferybody."
 She flew out Of the room and the doors closed again. But Dicky look ed after her frowningly.
 "I cant take any more risks like that" he said in q low voice. Will you girls come across with me into the park. where We can talk without anybody hearing us? Are you sure you can stand il 10 hear the rest Of my news now, or will you wait a li'tlc?"
 "Let us go now" Katherine said fevcrishly. snatching down her hat an1 coat. and in another two min utcs we were outside the apart mcnt building and crossing the Drive 10 the park below the wall. When we were safely out Of hear ing Of anyone Katherine turned 10 picky with ashcn face but steady voice
 "Teu me th" truth, Dicsy." she said. "1 can stanl fl. Did Lucia hiIl herself?"