New Britain herald., 1928-12-24
Naflxc Oycrhears . Remark Which Justifics Her suspicion That BriNtoil
 Intended to Defraud Lillian

Katie stood waiting for my an swer to her query concerning the time of lunch. and with a jerk l brought myself back from the realm of speculation concerning her req son for asking the question.
 Were going to have it very carly today. Katie told her, 'in fact, as soon as you can get it ready. The BriAtons are packing now, and believe they wish to get started by noon.'
 Dot very goot," she said. her face lighting up. Then she plucked at her apron irresolutely-
 "Missis Graham" she said and stopped.
 "Yes, Katie" cncoura gingiy.
 You remember dot funeral vent by last week" 9"
 Oh. yes' My interest was mount ing rapidly now.
 "Nell,' Katie rushed on rapidly. but with eyes rowing over the kitchen in patent embarra ssmen'. "dey have meetings for dot vomans today-vot you call - me-morl-d al meetings by her church, und ] be- long by her society, uad l like to go eeef get loonch dishes all done COD first, so mudder- inlaw no keeck.'
 With a little reminiscent shivcr ! called to mind the scene to which Mother Graham had treated me be- cause had changed the hour of luncheon to permit Katie 10 go 10 the "funeral' Inch I was now con ,inced was as mythical as the memorial sorvice.'
 Mother Ora ham can have no pos sible objection today" told her sravely. "she did not like it before because l changed the hour solely on your account. But today it is ncce.sar ry to have luncheon early on account of our guests. When your work is done you are free 10 go any where you choosc-as you always are upon any afternoon when there IS nothing special on hand"
 'I know dot. so go after loonch, ' Katie returned. Now rot you want me gif dem for "ats"'
 outlined tho Luncheon menu, and heard with one part of my brain the familiar and cheery 'I feeN' with which Katie jottcd down the items. The other part was engaged in fan tastic specula ton in which Katie. Mary. Prince Georges and the mysterious Janet RaWdon" mingled
 So absorbed was in my theories that I did not realize ] had come to a halt just outside the kitchen door in a little recess Of the hall totally hidden from the front part of the corridor. From the staircase. just around the corner. heard Samuel BriNton's voice.
 She put the kibosh on it all right"
 "Hush.'' Charles Owens voice whispered peremptorily. and as I waited motionless until they had gone up the stairs. t did not doubt lhat Mir. BriAton was referring 10 he way l had blocked his attempt 10 have Lillian sign a release. 'or herself and Marion. of all claims against him.
 The words. the contcmptuous re- Scntful tone in which they were ut tered. and Mir. Owens warning ban ished the aualms which I had been experiencing since the interview in which ] had baked Mir. BriNton's attempt to turn over twenty thou sand dollars 10 Lillian for Marion in return for the "release' h" had drawn up. IL seemed so large d sum to turn down for the girl. that had wondered if perhaps ] had been hasty in my stand, but the little colloauy bolstercd my theory that some attempt 10 defraud Marion and Lillian lay behind thi, long hclatcd offer Of restitution.
 do not think departing guests were ever "specd"d' with more eel erity or secret gladness than were he RriNtons from the farmhouse. From Kafie's hastily prepared. but smoothly served. luncheon to the id which Lillian and gave to the packing of tn" luggage. there was no possible excuse for delay.
 Thank Heaven. that's over" LiI- Han sad when they had driven away with much waving of hands and shouted messages from Carolyn