New Britain herald., 1929-07-22
CHAPTED NLN1

tHAPIED AL\1 Not realizing that she was al | ready far too late, Nan went direct ly to her husband where. he was d work in the library, his desk clut- tered with notes and transcripts or testimony on lhe Blackhull case, The prosecution had rested at TOUT o'clock. Morgan was to open the de- fense of David Blackhull, charged with the murder of his father, the next morning Wednesday.
 But it was not the Blackhull case of which Nan had to speak.
 "John.' she said, in a deceptively calm voice. 'I think you had better go across the street to see Iris to- night"
 The man't startled eyes searched her tightly composed face. "1'm very busy, dear, but certainly I'll go--for few minutes-if you really wish it. Naturally it distresses me to think of her alone over there. Crippled-'
 I'm not thinking of her" Nan interrupted coldly. "I'm thinking of Curtis. I can do nothing. You must realize how my hands are tied" Her voice trembled slightly as she made this first reference to the incredible situation in which Iris had placed her. Then she went on calmly again: But I love Cur ts very dearly, l can't stand by and see his health ruined, l want you to exact a promise from Iris not to give him a bite of anything to eat. Otherwise. John, Curtis visits 10 his mother must bc stopped. or-'
 The man't face went even palcr more hageard than it had been ness. Slowly he raised trembling hand and passed it over his eyes, then he nodded slowly. You're right, of course. I'll go nt once. And thank you, Nan, for having the courage to-" He broke off abruptly, kissed her awkwardly but tenderly. and turned sharply away.
 He was gone less than half an hour. The first thing that Mans questioning eyes noted Was a smudge of white powder on the left lapel of his dark blue flannel coat.
 "Iris-it will be all right dear" he said with assumed cheerfulness. Now, are you too tired to go over fense with me-"
 "Of course not" Nan answered Did she promise unconditionally. John?' At his stiff nod, she laid an apologetic little hand upon his 'l don't mean to pry, dear, but I'm drcadfully worried, l hope it isn't too late.'
 The next morning her terror ot the night before seemed a little ab- surd. Curtis ate hearty break fast. and looked almost normal Later Nan was to reproach herself bitter i ly for not having suspected tho truth. But she saw him off to school, almost light-hearted be- cause of the feryor Of his soodby hug and kiss. If she had salvaged Curtis love ont of the Wreckagc, all was not lost.
 Whether it vas because he was pathetcally determined to please Nan or whether he really had an appetite for his dinner that night, Nan never knew, but he ate his vegetables and stewcd fruit, drank his milk. and chattered happily, in apparently the best of health and spirits.
 Morgan was gravcly elated ovet the re- establishment of an cntcnt. cordiale between himself and hie son and his wife and his son. II vas d jolly, almost boisterous hour one which Nan was later to try to live again in memory.
 There was even d game Of ana. grams after dinner, in spite of th fact that Morgan was avid 10 be a' his desk, A dozen times later, Nor gan groared, in agony; Thank Goa played that game with hin. If had 10 remember now that l re- fused"
 But it was Nan who remembered with shuddof that Curtis had ] uiumphantly "slolen' the word head with the letter T, making . death.
 Aft1r she had put the child te bed, she returned to her husband with a Worriel frown. His cheek, felt awfully hot, John. Maybe ought to call Dr. Blacl>--''
 Nonsense" Morgan retorte 1 He just got too excited over win ming three games in succession He's sharp as a razor, isn't hc NBn2'
 "Ie's - wouderfult" Nan agreed with catch n hnr voice. "N ou'l be very proud of curtis some day John"
 Morgan, Morgan X Morgan, oh ?' the lawyer chucklod his deep-so