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Show SOUTH CACHE COURIER, HYRUM, UTAH CiininmnninnHnmnrmnninniiniiimiiiniimiiiiiiinmiinnninniininininiiiimniiminnmimmnnminiiiinminnnia I HARRIET and ihe PIPER E Copyright by Kathleen Norris By KATHLEEN NORRIS nitiiimiiiiiiiiiuiimuiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiidiiitiiiiiiiuuiiiiiii? Harriet Gently, please, Germaine, ply asked to be shown to Mr. Carter, Oh, Har- remarking that he was expected. He my head aches frightfully. I'M MAD ABOUT YOU! riet, will you see what this Blondin disappeared Into the library; Harriet Synopsis. Harriet Field, twenty Is eight years old, and beautiful. the social secretary of the flirta-tloMrs. Isabel Carter, at Richard Carters "Crownlands," us home, and governess of seventeen-yea- r old Nina Carter. Ward twenty-four years old and Impressionable, fancies himself In love with his mother's attractive secretary. Mrs. Carters latest affair Is with young Anthony Pope, and the youth is taking It very seriously. Presiding over the teacups this summer afternoon, Harriet is profoundly disturbed by the arrival of a visitor. Royal Blondin. Next day, at a lea party in the city, Blondin makes himself agreeable to Nina, and leaves a deep Impression on the unsophisticated girl. Harriets agitation over the appear-enc- e of Blondin at Crownlands" Is explained by the fact that he had been a disturbing element In her life ten years before, and she fears him. The man Is an avowed adventurer, Ivlng on the gullibility of the Idle rich. He frankly announces to Harriet his intention of marrying Nina, who, as the daughter of the wealthy Richard Carter, Is a highly desirable catch, and urges her to aid him. Bhe Is In a sense In his power, and after pleading with him to abandon his scheme agrees to follow a policy of neutrality. Knowing the tender feeling she has Inspired In Ward Carter, Harriet Is tempted to marry him for the position and wealth he can give her, though realizing she does not love him. Blondin has Ingratiated himself with Madame Carter, Richards mother, and she Is In favor of his marriage with Nina. whole-hearted- -- ly CHAPTER VI 5 Continued. Come upstairs to my roo ; I want to speak to you! Isabelle said, suddenly. Harriet followed her upstairs, and they entered the benutiful boudoir together. Here Isabelle dropped Into a chair and stared dully ahead of her, a queen of tragedy. Germaine cnme forward, evidently more accustomed to this mood than Harriet was. Like a flash the d shoes, the silver gown, and the brocaded stays were whisked away, and a cool, loose silk robe enveloped Isabelle, and she took a deep, cretonned chair by the window. The lights were lowered, Isabelle nodded Harriet to the opposite chair. I ask you," she said, with a great breath of anger restrained, I ask you if any woman In the world could stand It I You saw the way Mr. Carter acted. You saw him make me ridiculous make a fool of me! The boy will never come to the house again." Oh, I dont think that! Harriet 6ald, In honesty. Mr. Carter stalked In upon us, nt his wife said, broodlngly. dinner She fell Into thought, and suddenly burst out, Harriet, my heart aches for that boy! My God my God whnt have I done to him t She rested her white full arms on the dressing table, and covered her face with her hands. Harriet saw the frail silk of the dressing gown stir with her sudden dry sobbing. My God if I could cry I Isabelle said, turning. And Harriet realized, with a shock, that she was not acting. Mr. Carter only sees what I see." she added, that it must stop. But I am afraid it will kill him. He isnt She opened a like other men. He drawer, fumbled therein. Read that I Bhe said. Harriet took the sheet of paper, pressed it open. My heart, she read, in Tony I will go away Popes handwriting. from you if I must But it will be further than India, Isabelle, further than Rio or Alaska. While we two live. I must see you sometimes. Perhaps outside the world there is a place big enough for me to forget you Now!" said Isabelle, rising and beginning restlessly to walk the floor. Now, what shall I do? Send him away to his death, or risk Mr. Carters insulting him again, as he did tonight! Anthony Pope means it, Harriet I know him well enough for high-heele- - 1 that. y She fell silent. Germaine appeared with a tray, and began to loosen and brush the dark hair, and Isabelle went automatically to the business of creaming and rubbing, still shaken, but every minute more mistress of fherself. With the thick, dark switch gone, Harriet was almost shocked by the change In the severely exposed Isabelle looked forehead and face. fully her age now, more than her age. Well I" said the mistress, sombereyed still, and with a still heaving jbreast. "There was something else. man wants with Nina? She tells me he suggested some sort of summer party in his roof garden ; I dont know quite what it is. But her heart Is set on it They seem to understand each other I always felt that when Ninas affairs did begin, she would pick out freaks like this! Dont Germaine had gone to the bathroom for a hot towel, and Isabelle dropped her voice, almost affectionately dont worry about this little scene, Harriet It will be quite all right! The companions Oh, surely J voice was light and cheerful ; she went upstairs only pleasantly excited and thrilled. And at the breakfast table next morning Harriet could show the head of the house the same, bright assurancer Richard had come downstairs early, and they had their coffee alone. Nina? asked her father. She comes back today," Harriet Mrs. Carter is going to have said. her masseuse, so she wont be down. She asked you to remember that you nre dining at the Jays tomorrow. There's to be tennis at about four Finals," he said, nodding, and went out to his car apparently well pleased with himself and Ills life. Harriet started for the Hawkes with a philosophic reflection or two as to the ephemeral quality of married quarrels. She brought Nina back at noon, a garrulous and complacent Nina, who could pity the elder Hawkes as girls who never had admirers. When they reached the driveway of Crownlands, Harriet recognized the car that was already there, and said to herself that Anthony Pope would Join them for' luncheon. But Just as she and , Nina were about to enter the cool, wide, dark doorway, Anthony himself passed them. He was almost running, and apparently did not see them. He ran down the shallow steps afld sprang into his car, which scattered a spray of gravel as he Jerked it madly about, and was gone before she and Nina had ended their look of surprise. Harriet went slowly upstairs, with a dim foreboding far back In her heart At about three, when Harriet and Nina were idling on the shady terrace, with the hound, the new magazines, and their books, Hansen brought one of the small closed cars to the side door. Five minutes later Isabelle, in a thin white coat, a veiled white hat, and with a gorgeous wrap over her arm, came out. Germaine was with her, carrying two shiny black suitcases. Isabelle, Harriet thought, looked superbly handsome, but permalne. had evidently been scolded, and had red eyes. Isabelle came over to give her daughter a farewell kiss. Mrs. Webb has telephoned for me, ducky. Your father isnt coming home tonight, but have a happy time with Miss Harriet, and Ill be back in a both of you. day or two. Good-bAll right, Hansen! They swept away, leaving Harriet with a strange sense of nervousness nnd suspense. The summer air seemed charged with menace, and the silence that followed the noise of the car oddwhite-furre- d y, ly ominous. Madame Carter was on the terrace when they came back at five from an Idle trip to the club, reporting that her son had Just returned unexpectedly from the city, and had gone in to change for golf. Nothing alarming here, yet Harriet experienced a sick thrill of apprehension. Something abnormal seemed to be the matter with them all this afternoon! She Did you call me, Mr. Carter? hardly knew her own voice, as he came down the three broad steps from the house. Her hands felt cold, and she was trembling. Do you happen to know where Hansen is, Miss Field?" Driving Mrs. Carter to the Webbs the girl anat Great Barrington, Mrs. Carter left In swered, readily. a hurry. She did not expect you tonight. Hansen ought to be back at about 6cven, I should think" He was not listening to her; abruptly left her. When Harriet went Into the house she saw nothing of him. She made her usual little round, spoke briefly to a maid about some fallen daisy petals, consulted with the housekeeper as to the new cretonne A man was to come and covers. measure those covers this very afternoon perhaps this was he, modestly waiting nt the side door. But no, this man briefly and aim- - saw no more of him for an hour, when he silently appeared beside her, and asked to see the chauffeur Hansen as soon as lie came. Richard brought the Strange man to the dinner table; but there was nothing in that to make the dinner so unnatural. To be sure Richard ate little, and spoke hardly at all; but this Mr. Williams was quite entertaining, and the old lady in good spirits. At eight Hansen was back, presenting himself in his dusty Mr. Carter immediately drew him with Williams into the library. Nina loitered up to bed, but the old lady and Harriet remained downstairs, They did not like, but they sometimes amused, each other. Suddenly came the summons: would Miss Field please step Into the library? Hansen was going out as she came In ; Richard was at the big desk, the man Williams standing somewhat In shadow. Harriets heart leaped; they were g 'ng to ask her about Royal. Just a moment, Miss Field, Rich ard said. Will you sit down? And as Harriet, looking at him in frightened curiosity, did so, he began qulet- road-coa- t; flat-topp- tomorrow night I found Mrs. Carters hours message at five, twenty-fou- r earlier than Bhe expected me to. Williams may be mistaken, of course, he finished, with a glance at the detective. Not likely!" said Williams, with a modest shrug. However, even if he Is right Richard resumed, the chances are that they are still there, and if they are, I will bring my wife back with me tonight. Meanwhile, I leave the house in your care. Miss Field. I neednt tell you that my mother and Nina must be kept absolutely Ignorant of what we suspect Youll know what to tell them. In case I should be longer away. If our calculations are wrong, theres no telling where I may follow Mrs. Carter. I leave this end of things to you ! Im sorrier than I can say," she said, huskily. I know you are! Its Richard passed his hand over his forehead its utter madness, of course. But please God, we can keep it all hushed up. She has Germaine with her ; Hansen I can trust. Were off now. Miss Field. Ill keep you informed If I can." Harriet went back to the drawing room with her heart big with pride. He had mentioned Hansen and Germaine, but he knew that he could trust her! The event was sensational enough. But back of the excitement lay the joy of being needed and being trusted. ril find Bottomley, and hav e put ahead. You dont like him!" 0 H watching her closely. I dont like him for Nmal. amended. The boy followed her while she her order. Then they went out tut the blazing day together. Nina has a fortune the girl marked, dryly, opening her wide ' parasol. Lord, he could marry a girl ten times that! Lobk here, you don? think a man like Blondin would rd slder thatl he protested. I would rather see Nina dead and buried I" The words burst from Hat. riet against her will, against her proa! Ise to Royal. There was no help for It, her essential honesty would ha Its way. Talk to him! Ward, fortunately was not inclined to take her too serf! Youll like him! Gosh, h ously. certainly has a good effect on me added the youth, modestly. h9 doesnt drink, and he talks to ought to hear him I about being fate, and all that! Say listen, before we get out of the 1 me-y- woods ? His sudden sense of her nearnesi and beauty belled the careless words. CHAPTER VII. Harriet found his arms tight about That Isabelles madness would run her. her face tipped up to the young, Its full gamut did not occur to Harriet handsome face that was stirred now until the next day. Then, as the serene with trembling excitement. The quick hours moved by, and there was no movement of his breast she could fed word and no sign from Richard, the against her own, and the passion of possibilities began to suggest them- his kisses almost frightened hr; she selves. It seemed to her incredible was held, bound, off her that any woman would risk all that feet Isabelle had for the sake of a fiery Ward! she gasped, freed at mst, boys first love, and yet, on the other nnd with one hand to her dlsordM hand, there was the memory of Isa- hair, while the other held him at belles suffering two nights ago, and arms-lengtDear ! Please here were the amazing facts to prove It was no use. Soul and senses wria it enveloped again, and close to her etr It was for few women to enjoy the she heard him whisper: Im mad popularity Isabelle had. known. But about you! Do you know that? Ia any woman might run away with a rich mad about you admirer. Harriets admiration for the I think you are! Fhe stammered cleverness with which Isabelle con- breathless and laughing. You mustnl ducted this pretty playing with fire do that! You mustnt do that! Why, disappeared, and in its place came the We might be seenl sharp . conviction that Breathless, too, he flung back hit women like Linda had some Justificahair, and stooped to pick up her para, tion, after all; it was dangerous, it sol. did lead to sin, it could indeed hapDo you think I care! he panted, pen once too often." I wouldnt care If the Indifferently. Harriet felt her own lapsing moral- whole world saw! Sh sh ! ity regaining Its standard. Just now, By the magic only when Nina most needed her mother, known to youth and womanhood Hawhen Richard was struggling with dif- rriet had gathered herself Into trimficult business conditions, when Ward ness and calm again. She took her was engaged parasol composedly. Her eyes told She Interrupted her thoughts here, him the whole story. Nina and Royal and tried to make herself feel like a Blondin were two hundred feet away, woman engaged to be married. Some- coming up from the tennis court. how the fact persisted in baffling her. You tool fool fool !. she said to There was an unreality about it that herself. What had they seen? What prevented her from tasting the full new twist to the situation would sweet. Engaged to a rich man, and a Ninas suspicions afford? Richard rich mans son. Well, perhaps when Carter trusted her; this was no time Ward came back, it would seem more to tell him that she loved ills sou. Did she love Ward? or with his keen believable. She had been standing at one of the and kindly eyes would Wards father hall windows, a window deep set in see exactly what she saw in the mathe brick wall, and commanding rriage? Caught kissing in the woods-li- ke Rosa or Germaine; It was uthrough elms and beeches the path to Hands court. the tennis How she had weakened pressed her nthinkable! cnme to back the How she had she her preseyes tight, position here! ent moment with a start. Ward Car- risked her heart contracted with ter was behind her. He laughed nt her pain severing of her association with confusion, and they sat down on the Crownlands. of window seat together. Yes, he was Luncheon, under Its veneer fresh to so offered the back and Bellamys, going gaiety and foolishness, was Blondin, but they had both come terrors. For old Madame Carter had in Just for lunch and the drive. come down, nnd It occurred to Harriet he reassurance to that if Nina had seen anything In the brought Instantly her. Ward was such a dear! Of wood, she might naturally Interest course she loved him. her grandmother with an account of But you werent a very good boy It. The old lady would go Instantly last night ! she said. Their hands were to. her son. And Richard Harriet locked ; but she had shaken a negative could Imagine him, tired, harassed, when he would have kissed her. heartsick over the recent Inexplicable Rotten! he confessed, easily. I weakness of hls wife, having to face to played poker, too. No man ought to another womans treachery, having o' do that when hes edged. Sorry sor- listen to the demure announcement to ry sorry. Listen. When were mar- the little secretarys engagement ried Its all off. No smoking, drinking, hls son. He was experiencing the most ovegambling wine, women, or song, now! what? rwhelming shock of all hls life You may not know It, but you never he must shortly be exposed to all tho spoke a truer word ! the girl said. His whirl of scandal : the silenced gossiPi shout of laughter was pleasant to hear. the averted eyes of hls world, tno Listen. Does Mother know It? weeklies with their muddy inslnuft About us, I mean? tlons. the staring fact headlined abovhe? I Ward knows It hls breakfast bacon. This was Oh, nobody His mention of his mother time to efface herself nnd the houseHush! brought back realization with a rush, hold. to help him ter lift the load. Mr. and she added uncomfortably, Shes Im afraid I wasnt listening, Blondin? at Great Barrington. Miss Nina and I want to know Oh, darn! I wanted to see her! She wrote me, and told me she loved whnt day we may have our party? me, and that she didnt think she had Roynl repented. The studio party? been a very good mother to me!" He The a with party. Were 8 bewildered laughed, youthfully, fd t It from I thought she Ing to have widening of his eyes. seven only, because then was sick. Well, maybe we can stop, half-pawont be too hot." there going back. lanWhere did you leave Mr. BlonWhy not have It at night, with Involuterns?" Harriet said, quite din? He beat it down to the tennis ntarily. And again a pang of swept over her. It was lintefu court. Say, listen, is there a chance that hes stuck on Nina? It looks to It was Incredible, but she was plnyln hls game as calmly as If doubts an me like what the watch comes in Harriet glanced at her wrist before reluctance had never entered she answered him. Her heart was heart. sick within her. Close upon her radiant dream had come this shadow, far Godi Make me te do what is right, however hard it is. more a shadow now, when her responsibility had infinitely Increased, and when she bad had proof of the love (TO BK CONTINUED half-lifte- d ! ! - , hood. He drove to New London, Richard supplied. Popes yacht is there. His manner was very quiet, he spoke almost wearily, but Harriet felt as if a cannon had exploded In the study. Ive had New London on the wire," said Mr. Williams. Mr. Pope had been The getting ready for a cruise. chances are that they hav already weighed anchor." On the other hand, Richard said, glancing at his watch, we have an excellent prospect of finding them there, I was not supposed to come home until ou chat-acte- r h. Harrlet Gave the Stranger a Glance That Made Him An Eavesdropper. ly: We are In some trouble here. Miss Field. I hardly know how to tell you what we fear. Did you notice anything strange about Mrs. Carters manner today? I thought I did, Harriet admitted. Did you think of any reason for It? Harriet gave the stranger a glance that made him an eavesdropper. I fancied that It was connected with with what distressed her Inst night, Mr. Carter. You may speak before Mr. WilHe looked Richard said. liams, I asked him to down; was : silent. Was help me,- he added, slowly. here Mr. today? Pope young This morning, I dont know how long, Harriet said, with a great light, or darkness, breaking in upon her mind, he was leaving when Nina and I came home. "Do you know who took the telephone call from Mrs. Webb? No, because nobody did. No person named Webb called from Great Barrington, or anywhere else, today," said Williams, breaking In decidedly, his voice a contrast to Richards hesitating tones. As a matter of fact, Hansen didnt drive to Great Barrington. Two miles from your gate here, Mrs. Carter gave him other directions. What directions? Harriet asked, antagonized by his manner, and feeling her cheeks get red. The man evidently had small respect for woman- ,uii . , roof-garde- n half-pas- st 1 - |