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Show 4 4P SOUTH CACHE rmTRTER. HYRUM, UTAH with his evening paper held ready for his next glance. Lot you roam about the country with Mrs. Tabor, he said, as the girls No, my faltering accents stopped. dear, its out of the question I In the first place, she is not the sort of companion I would chooose for any girl, and In the second place I would never know where you and your grandmother were, or what was happening to you I While Miss Field Is in charge I shall feel entirely safe. Of course, if Mrs. Tabor chooses to Invite herself, HARRIET and the PIPER 'Ey Kathleen Norris thats her affair I i Illustrations by - Irwin Myers Copyright by Kathleen Norris CHAPTER XI Continued. 11 presently needed again, tvas astonished at the emotion of the old lady, who had been genuinely fond and had always of her daughter-in-labeen loyal to Isabelle, as one of the Carters. Madam Carter was greatly shaken, Nina hysterical. Ward aggrieved, irritated at his own feeling. Ife had not seen his mother for seven months, she had brought nothing but a certain unpleasant notoriety to her children, yet her death struck both the young creatures forcibly, and they felt shocked and shaken. . ! We cant be in the Fordyce tab-- s leaux, said Nina in an Interval beNot that I tween floods of sobs. I don't But would want to, now! am the I me seems to that know; it most unfoitunate girl in the world I think botli you and Ward should wear black for a certain period," Richard said to her. He had been walking the floor nervously, stopping now and then beside the great chair where his mother sat silent and stricken, to put his arm about her shoulders, and murmur to her consolingly. When my mother died," Madame Carter quavered, with her handkerchief pressed to the tip of her nose, my sisters and I wore black, and refused all social engagements for one year. We then, I remember distinctly, " began to wear white and lavender see I ; dont Nina broke in pettishly why I have to wear black! Why should you? Ward said with bitter scorn. Its only your mother I Nina began to cry. s You and I will go down to Harearly tomorrow, Nina," riet suggested, jand well have some one show us what is simple and nice not crape, you know, Harriet said, with a glance at Richard Carter, but black, for a few months, anyway." I think that would be the least. I beRichard, his mother approved. lieve I will go with you, she condescended to Harriet, after all, Isabelle and " the was my daughter-in-law- , mother of my grandchildren! And I wont go to California or Bermuda or anywhere else unless Ladybird comes!" Nina burst out, with a broken sob. "Nonsense her father began harsh- Harriet, Then I dont want to go! Nina stormed. But in the end she did go. Madame Carter, Nina and Harriet duly sailed, in the second week of January, 6nd Ward joined them almost a month later. In Nassau. And here Harriet had the brother and sister at their best, free to show the genuine childishness that was In them, to swim and picnic and tramp, and here she Indulged Nina In long talks, and encouraged her to associate with the young people she met, Harriet wrote once a week to Richard, making a general report, and Inclosing receipted hotel and miscellaneous bills. His communications usually took the form of cables, although once or twice she received typewritten let- ters. In they ail came home again, and Crownlands, in the years first shy filming of green, looked wonderful to Harriets homesick eyes. Richard was to Join them at dinner; it had been impossible for him to meet them when the boat arrived, but Fox had been there and attended to the formalities. It had pleased them all to make the occasion formal and to dress accordingly. Nina looked her prettiest In a white silk, and the old lady was magnificent in diamonds and brocade. Harriet deliberately selected her handsomest gown, a severe black satin that wrapped her slender body with one superb and shining sweep, and left her white arms and firm, flawless shoulders hare. The firm young lines of chin and throat, the swelling white breast that met the encasing satin, the slippers with their twinkling buckles she could not but find every detail pleasing, and her scarlet mouth, firmly shut, was twitched by a sudden dimple. She glanced at the clock, went slowly to the door, and slowly down the big square stairway. Richard and his children were in the lower hall, and they all glanced up. Down In the soft glow of fight came Harriet, smiling as'she slipped her left arm about Nina, and gave the free hand to Ninas father. She was ap; inparently cool and wardly she felt feverish, frightened and excited and happy, all at once. Richard was in evening dress, too; he looked his best ; his dark hair brushed to a shining crest, and his gray eyes full of pleasure. Well, Miss Field! he said, a litWell I Your vacatle breathlessly. tion hasnt done you any harm ' We bad to make an occasion of our coming home! Harriet said, with a nervous laugh, trying not to see the admiration in his eyes. ly. Harriet said: Bermuda? Is there a plan for BerYou 'ook wonderful! Nina said. muda? Why, you saw this gowm at NasI suggested it for a few weeks, sau, Harriet protested. Richard said, frowning, but I dont "Louise or whoever she was of propose to have Nina invite a group of Prussia, or whatever you call It, friends. That Isnt exactly the Idea." turned in the family vault when you We could ask Mrs. Tabor, Harriet walked down those stairs! Ward it is right in the said. said, soothingly; caught you under the middle of the season, and perhaps she mistletoe he would you will feel she can hardly spare the time. added, with an effort to envelop her in his embrace. But Im sure that if she can . If I ask her, shell go, Nina said, Harriet "Ward, behave yourself! in a sulky, confident undertone. said, evading him, and walking toward Harriet had her doubts, but she did the dining room with his grandmother, not express them. A month at Nas- who came downstairs In her turn, and sau, in the undiluted company of Nina Joined them. and her grandmother, was enough to Richard Carter watched her, the incarnation of young and beautiful appall even Harriets stout heart. The event proved her right, for while womanhood. Clever be knew her to Ida Tabor flew at once to her discon- be, capable and conscientious, but tosolate little friend, and assured Rich- night she was In a new role. He liked ard with tears In her eyes that she to see her there at the other end of would do anything in the world to help the table; he realized that she was the him, she weakened when the actual center of things, here in his house, and that he had missed her. test arrived. After dinner it chanced that If just you and I and your dear called her to the telephone, grandmother were going, dearest girl, a moment later she passed and that to said then it would be pershe Nina, fect. But. as long as Miss Field, who the, call on to Richard. Is perfectly charming and conscienIts Mr. Gardiner, Mr. Carter. He know that you were here, but feels didnt all and that she must tious that, accompany us, why you and I would he would rather speak to you, Harnever be a moment alone, sweetheart, riet said. Richard went to the teleyou know that! I dont like to think phone, and as she moved to make room for him, and gave him the rethat its jealousy " Of course its Jealousy, Nina was ceiver, he had a sudden breath of the pleased to decide, loomily. "Granny sweetness and freshness of her, of says that we dont need her, but Fa- hair and young firm skin, of the ther just sticks It, it that she must rustling satin gown, and the little handkerchief that she dropped, and manage everything f Ida Tabor moiled automatically. that he picked up for her. He smiled I dont suppose your father sees any- as he gave it, and flushed inexplicably, thing in Miss Field? she submitted, and bis first few words to the bewildered Gardiner were a little shaken lightly. I no Nina "Oh, Heavens, said, and breathless. But Richard was quite himself again an hour or two later, a in herself There handglass. studying uas a rather steely look in the eyes when he sent for Miss Field, and she of her friend Ladybird, but She did not came Into the library. I neednt say that Im entirely see it. Her smile of pieusure gradually gave place to a pout. Im going to pleased with the way matters have ask Father if we need Miss Harriet I gone, Harriet, said Richard, when she had seated herself on the opposite she said. And that evening she did indeed at- side of Ids big, flat desk, and locking tack Rielmrd on the subject, although her white hands on the shining surnot as decidedly as she had planned. face. had fixed her magnificent eyes on Nina seems In fine shaoe. end He listened to her Interestedly enough. him. mid-Apr- il 1 Land-mann- unself-consclo- I I Oo-o- o oo-o- o, 1 Bot-toml- mother letter. You seem to have a genius for managing the Carters. Tm seriously considering an ofTer from Gardiner; hes got to take his boy out to Nevada for his health. Ward wants to go, and would very probably like It when he got there. I hope he will try It anyhow! So that leaves Nina, who Is safe enough with you, and my mother, who seems perfectly well and happy. Meanwhile, while youve been gone, weve gotten the Brazilian company well started, so that I shall have a little more freedom than Ive had for years. You look as if you needed it, Harriet observed. You look wonderful, Richard reWonderful I Is that turned, simply. a new gown? Well, I had it made last November Just before I went away. Mrs. Carter gave me the material a year ago. Harriet glanced down at herself and smiled. You might wear pearls or something with it,r Richard said. Do yofl like pearls? It was astonishing to see the color come up in her dusky skin; her eyes met his almost pleadingly. Why I never thought! she said, In some confusion. "I suppose a man may ask his wife if she likes pearls? Richard said, Impelled by some feeling he did not define. He hod leaned back in his chair, d and his eyes, as he studied her. Oh please! Harriet said In an agony. She gave a horrified glance about, but the library was closed and Some one might hear you! silent. she whispered. And a moment later she rose to her feet, and eyed him Was that all, Mr. Carter? quietly. she asked. It was Richards turn to look a trifle confused. Thats oil my dear! he said, obediently. The term made her flush again. He was still smiling when she closed the door. I have never seen half-close- my. open dHr, from which a subdued light streamed. said Madame Oh, Miss Field Carter. The rich, Yes, Madame Carter I RichInstantly. voice responded ready ard hoped she would come to the door, but his mothers message was delivered too quickly to make It necessary. Youre waiting up for Nina? Oh, yes, Madame Carter I Harriet answered. The two exchanged Richard loitered into his mothers room, left her In her maids hands, and went back into the dimly lighted, spacious upper hall. He felt oddly stirred; there were letters downstairs, his usual books and amusements, but he felt curiously Impelled to try for one more word with Miss Field. He onened the door of Ninas room, and went in, and knocked on the halfopen door within that connected It with Harriets room. Come in. Is It you. Pilgrim? the pleasant, quiet voice said. Richard stepped to the doorway. Harriet, seated in a square basket chair, under the soft flood of light from a basket-shade- d lamp, rose preat him stood and looking cipitately, with widened eyes and parted lips, She was plainly without speaking. made herself she frightened, though smile. The beautiful room was full of n windows shadows; at the thin curtains stirred in the cool night and sunburned from the and was going toward the? turn. santly. good-nigh- ts "Just a moment. Mis, she, magnificently. Harriet stood still, and watched Carters magnificence . slowly In a basket chair. freed an eyeglass ribbon dellh? straightened a ruffle laid sine beside her on was a little matter of which to speak to yon, Bhe snM bringing her distant glance to resyk ti I?? !SonCy ,or tmpnS; I understand, Madame said, that you and my son- -J reason best known to yoursew? have entered Into a secret ma lour first object, my dear, is L antagonize his mother 1" HarrU mMedhemtt UeVe 7, L Alona !he K m r 'No reason to disbelieve my mother echoed, scandalized, -- m. should I have! Mr. Carter is the aj of honor absolutely the soul. uD0ll my word, I dont understand you!" I said you have no reason to disk Son-- lieve him, Harriet repeated. You said that you understood that we been married. It is truel" And she looked off toward the river with an expression as composed is that of Madame Carter herself. air. I suppose you know that old saFrighten you? Richard said. Her eyes ying: A secret bride has a secret to Is there something ? were those of a deer that is afraid to hide I the old woman pursued, pleawide-ope- I never heard it. I did not play I wanted to suggest that we tell our little piece of news to the much with the children of the when I was a child, Harriet family, Richard suggested, after a Why, momentary search for a suitable subI came very close to telling my ject. mother, just now. Is there any good reason for further delay? Why, no, I dont I dont suppose there is! Harriet stammered. There will be talk. I suppose so, he answered, simply. But w'hat we do is our own affair, after all. I shall explain to my mothCHAPTER XII. er that for us both it seemed a pracsotical and a well, not It was the gayest spring that Har- lution. There need be nounpleasant change here, riet had ever known at Crownlands, but yon will simply have a more asfor even at her best, Isabelle had been sured position socially an individualist, devoting herhad been watching him, with She noself to one man at a time, and to all June in her face. But as he went on the .color slowly drained away, and about her beautiful eyes a look of strain and even of something like shame gradually deepened. When she spoke, it was as if the muscles of her throat were constricted. Yes, I see. Certainly, I see. We will have to let them talk. This is simply the best arrangement possible under the circumstances! It is an arrangement that a man perhaps has no right to ask of a womLove means a an, Richard said. great deal in a girls life, and I suppose there is nothing else that makes up for the lack of It. But you are not an ordinary woman, and I assure you that in every way that I can I mean to prove to you how deeply I appreciate what you are doing for us all. Thank you! Harriet said, almost lnaudibly. Simply change your name on your cheeks, Richard said, thoughtfully. I shall have Fox step into the bank with the authenticated signature. And if there Is anything else, use your own Judgment. Perhaps, if I tell my mother, you would like to write to certain friends ? You can continue to draw on the Corn Exchange, thats simplest, "That's All My Dear! He Said and I hope youll remember that you Obediently. have a large personal credit there. he It occurred to body else, and the whole family had added, with a smile. me that mustnt let you you tonight attiIsabelles necessarily accepted tude. Richard had been too busy to your sister worry a! out that new notice or protest, the old lady help- house. If you want your own car Oh, good heavens, Mr. Carter!" less, and Nina a child. But now there was a beautiful and Harriet said, suffocating, i Ask me anything that puzzles you, gracious woman in Isabelles place, and long before the world knew that the man said. And with a brief goodHarriet Field was really Harriet Car- night he was gone. Harriet, who had ter, there was a very decided change dropped back into her chair, sat absoin the social atmosphere. Richard be- lutely motionless for a long, long time. gan to bring his friends to the house ; Her eyes were fixed on space; she he was proud of his smoothly running hardly breathed; it almost seemed as if her heart was stopped. establishment, and proud of the Richard went downstairs, surprised charming woman who neither flirted with nor Ignored the men he brought to feel still vaguely unsatisfied. He had had his word with Harriet, had home. said Indeed much that he had not exAlways beautiful and always busy, pected to say. However, it was much constantly in demand on all sides, she better to let the world know their rewent about his house like a smiling he was perfectly satisfied lationship; worker of miracles, and Richard to have It so. But still, as he settled watched her. When she went home to her sister for a day or two he himself to an hours reading, the missed her strangely, and wandered plaguing little impulse persisted. He about the empty rooms with a deso- would like to go upstairs again; he missed her companionship. late sense of loss. There was something very appealShe was presently back, and amused the young people at the dinner table ing about this woman, thought Richwith a spirited account of her sisters ard, suddenly closing his book. Her her silences, her complete submove into a new house really an beauty, old house, that she and her family jugation of her own Interests to his, he found strangely fascinating. had been watching for years. By George, she has made a most Nina and Amy and Ward had rushed from the dinner table to an early Interesting woman of herself!" Richdance at the club, and Richard, after ard decided, opening his book again a talk with bis mother on the ferrace, She ought to be right In the middle had wandered about with a vagye of things, that girl! ' hope of finding Harriet somewhere A day or two later Madame Carter with her book. But she was not came out to the terrace at eleven downstairs. He went back, and presently accom- oclock, beautifully groomed and panied his mother to her door. ,The gowned, and with an Imperative hand old lady stopped outside of Nina' arrested Harriet, who was tumbled - ' , answered. My father was very anxious to protect us from picking up expressions of that sort!" There was a silence. Harriet, beginning to be ashamed of herself, did not look at her companion. A girl of your age has a great deal of confidence when she marries into a family like mine. the old lady said, presently, in a tone that trembled t little. My son Is a rich man he a prominent man. He has used his own judgment, of course. But I confess that in your place I should not carry myself with quite so much an air of triumph ! It seems to me" Harriet determinedly regained her calm, and taking the chair next to the enraged old lady, quietly Interrupted the flow of her angry words. I hope I have shown no air ot triumph, Madame Carter, Harriet said. You yourself and most wisely pointed out to us a few months ago that the arrangement here was uis nconventional Every one was talking, if you mind that ! the old lady snapped. But she less. was slightly mollified, mathink But upon my word, youd rrying into the family was something she was bto be done every day inteeginning again, when Harriet rrupted again. No no," she said, soothingly, coamused nceding the last words on to plhelped rather smile that itself It is, of course, acate her companion. the most serious step of my life! But the secrecy as of course you will was because there has been so much terrible notoriety this year! never Why, Mr. Carter tells me that sCarterIn the history of all the This fortunate lead was enough. Madame Carter launched forth superusual Cably upon a description of the state. rter weddings, the ceremony, the was she In perhaps twenty minutes glvuf Harriet, blandly patronizing be her encouraging little taps with mistake8 of eyeglasses, warning her that Isabelle had made with Rich; Harriet knew that before three days were over her terrible mother-in-- bow would be telling the world just wise, under the trying circumstance!, 0 the whole thing was, and just She clearly she had foreseen it. still listening respectfully, if 8 bounded confusedly, when Ward efTus the house, and gave her an embrace. said. H Hello, Mamma! W3rd rlet laughed, as she pushed away a filial arm. Hardly knowing what to said or did she made her way room. own house, and up to her But here, in Ninas room, were and Mrs. Tabor, and from their they that as she came in, she knew came knew Nina got up. and ward with a sort of sulky gr&c ness. I hope youll be very happy.to Harriet I suppose I cughtn t . you Miss Harriet onjt, t a said, with an effort to smile &ne riet thought quite ghastly. and Harriet one of her big hands, fated over a kiss. But they kiss each other. was 0rctty At luncheon everything as usual ; Richard had gone a nKn city, not to return for engagement social several tracted the young people a truplation of their fathers none-th- e ! a w , fm I (TO BE CONTINUED.) Florida Wood. The forests of Florida Ifferent- kinds of wood. contn l7j - two A rifle bullet takes about ids to fly 1,200 yaros. 8 |