The Washington times., 1937-11-02

| HOG dS MuCu, uOG dIIeF IuF66 OF
to tire everybody out"
Karen seemed to see the nine
children looking accusingly at
her. How could she get away from
this place?
Lucy? Lucy loved her, Karen
knew. But Lucy would feel duty
bound to report anything to her
father, try to protect Karen from
her own impetuosity.
I'm going back tonight" Still
standing there in the snow, Karen
began to make her plans. Some
how she had to get car. No use
trying to rent one, that would be
fatal. Besides, she couldn't get
one without identifying herself.
Karen started on brisk walk
to the house. She entered the
kitchen stamping her feet. laugh
ter on her lips.
Lucy, I've gone mad!" she ex'
claimed as she pulled off her little
red cap.
what is it, my dear?" Lucy
turned from the cook stove, where
she was cooking their supper.
Here I tramp all the way to the
village store and then walk out
without the stuff"
"Oh, dear! We're out of pepper
and soda, Karen!" Lucy had wor
ried lines between her eyes. "I'll
send Hiram down as soon as HI
gets back from the woods"
won't they be closed by Them?
Don't know. But the Bent!
will open for Hiram"
Hes cutting wood, Lucy; why
not let me go back?"
walk that again? And it's al
most dark, now? Don't be silly
Karen. You've tramped enough
for one day!"
"I'ramped? Why not let me take
the flivver?"
HER PLAN
Karen Mallory! You know
you're not supposed to drive! Sup,
pose something would happen?
We've got troubles enough"
Karen suddenly stiffened at
Lucy's sharp retort. License! That
meant Stoddard. The girls hands
clenched as she thought of that
spanking! She'd get even some
day! What must he think nowi
He'd be certain she was there when
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Lucy knew as we'll as though she
had spoken what was in Karen's s
mind. IT didn't mean to be cross, -
she began.
"You weren't dear. OF course
not. Forget it." She walked away
and started to take off her mack
inaw. But it is silly, Lucy, to be
such a Sticker for detail. What
could happen? won't meet car
on the road. You know that. And
it's clear enough so I won't get
stuck"
mo"
Gall right, was just trying to
be helpful and think of poor
Hiram :"
Then she paused. Besides, you
old fibber, you're not worried
about the darned license. What
worries you is that I might run
away!"
Lucy's face flushed.
Confess now, that's it, isn't it?'
she said as she gave Lucy a hug
Suppose it isl" Lucy countered
That's silly. If wanted to run
away. I'd run! You know me well
enough for that"
I'm afraid I do"
"All right then, be a good girl
Dig up the car keys, and I'll be
back by the time the stew is done
I'm starving by the way!"
Karen could see Lucy was WaVer.
ing. Lucy, look at me. On my
word of honor as a Mallory! I'll
be back in 25 minuteS!"
Lucy finally gave up. She went
into her bedroom and got the car
key. When she came back Karen
was humming softly to herself
For moment the woman felt mis-
givings. She still held on to the
key, and Karen had to fight to
keep from snatching it.
Lucy looked at Karen's brilliant
brown eyes. which now seemed
deeply opaque.
IF anything should happen
your father would blame me. I
feel blame enough about the other
night! If I'd acted different maybe
things would have been altogether
different" Lucy was wavering.
"Different?" Karen shrugged
her shoulders. Yes, maybe now
she'd be the Princess Rani. Thank
heaven that had not happened-or
maybe it would have been better
Might get me out Of the country"
Karen was thinking.
Her silence, her apparent in