Laura Ingalls Wilder couldn't believe how it could have happened. Grace Ingalls was dead. She was a pretty soul, half spoiled. She was only fourteen. She had drowned in the lake downriver. She, Marietta Oleson, Nellie's sister, was with them. They had gone for a swim, and Grace had gone down with them, and her hair caught a twig. No one found her, and the funeral was to be later in the week. Laura had sobbed and sobbed. Then, she heard her sister, Carrie. Her face was pale, and her golden brown bun was mussed. Her eyes were red from crying. Why? Carrie sat down next to Laura. "Oh, Laura! Don't feel so terribly. It wasn't your fault."
Laura wiped her eyes. "What if one of the friends deliberately tried to drown her?" Carrie shook her head firmly. "No Laura, they wouldn't. Even Marietta." Carrie smoothed her black silk. She had loved Grace. Then there was Mary. She had fallen ill when she had heard of Grace's death. She was lying on her bed in the other room.
Caroline Ingalls took it hard at first, crying every night. Then she had come to realization that crying wouldn't bring her back. Charles Ingalls was of course, heart wrenched. Laura said slowly, "We should go call on the Oleson's to make sure Marietta knows it wasn't her fault. Will you go also?" Carrie nodded, and followed Laura to the carriage. They rode till they came to a townhouse in town. Nellie was on the front porch cradling her twins. She was wearing her hair in the latest style, up, and with puffs and braids. She was surprised to see them. "Laura? Carrie? What are you doing here?" Carrie brushed her clothes.
"We want to make sure Marietta knows-" Nellie was angry. "You suspect her? That little child? Wait till mother hears this nonsense." She took off up the walkway, with Laura and Carrie fast at her heels. They came into the piano room. Marietta was doing homework. Mrs. Oleson jumped at the sight of them. "Laura Ingalls? Why are you here?" She sounded shocked, and surprised. Nellie answered for her. "Laura suspects Marietta had something to do with Carrie's death, Mother."
Mrs. Oleson practically turned purple. Marietta tossed her red curls. "Me? Why would I hurt Grace?" Mrs. Oleson snapped, "Enough of this talk! Laura. Marietta is innocent. How dare you!" Nellie was also furious. Her eyes blazed fire. Carrie instinctively took a small step back, while Laura said, "I had no intention of-" Nellie stepped forward. "Get out, Laura! We have no want nor need of you here!" The door slammed in Laura and Carrie's face. Laura was angry. "Mrs. Oleson thought I was blaming it on Marietta. Oh, will she spread this around." Laura said to Carrie, "Hitch up the team, Carrie." When Carrie was gone, Laura turned to see all three of them glaring at her through the window. They were really going to be hated in town now. "Carrie?" Laura gasped. Carrie had been murdered. There was a huge gash in her chest. Blood was everywhere. Who could have done this? Poor Carrie. Tears stung her eyes. What would she tell Ma and Pa when she got home?
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