Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1898-08-07

tween you ana me.
| "Oh, of course said Julia, begin
| ming to feel little embarrassed by the
amount of confidence reposed in her.
Early next morning Mr.. FRANKLIN
| went to New York. Bee followed in
the next train: while Miss Lesiardi
oreathlessly awaited the crisis.
We shall have to live in two
houses,.as sure as the world" said she
to herself. What idiots these young
people are,"
Mrs. FRANKLIN returned rather earl
Ter than her sister had expected her.
with a bright. flushed face.
Veil! said Julia. breathlessly.
i've agreed to pay two thousand a
year for it," said Mrs. FRANKLIN.
wo thousand!' echoed Miss Les
iardl. II thought it was only eighteen
hundred"
Well SO it was. but there's an
other party. It seems, very anxious to
secure the house, and
oh, nonsense!" exclaimed Julia.
That's only the professional land.
lady's ruse"
On, but it's true" persisted Bee,
for l saw his hat on the sideboard
and l caught q glimpse of his legs
walking about in the upper story to
see il the paint was in good order on
the second floor. So l said Ia give her
two thousand"
And suppose the other party-who,
dare say, was the plumber or gas
litter. or perhaps the carpenter, come
to see about rcpairs-should offer
twenty-five hundrcdy"
He won't" said Bee. confidently.
The house isn't worth that
But really think, Bee darling. tina,
you q better speak to Laurence"
SO | WILL said Bee; this evening.
lie Will see that his wife is something
more than Il dead letter in the family
But | want you to go and see the
house this afternoon. Julia"
This afternoon." cried Miss l.esIar.
al. We've no time.
Yes. we have" said Beatrix, lust
exactly time enough, if we hurry down
to the cars, and return in the last
train. Quick, Get your bonnet on and
don't wait to arrange your frizzes."
And Julia Lesiarli made haste &C
cordingly
III he level rays Of the soft April sun
set were shining into the pretty little
double drawing-room of the house on
Willard square. as Bee led her sister
! exultantly into it,
Just look at those marble mantles."
SAD she, and the pattern Of the cor
nices. And the pier glasses and the
sas-hXtures go with the house. and"
On, beg your pardon. maam, I'm
sure said falcon-nosed, elderly
lady. who advanced bearing with her
smell OF dyed bombazine I'm sorry
10 disappoint YOU but
beatrlN Franklin looked aghast.
You have not let the house?'
Yes, ma am, have a poor loan
widow like me has her own interests
to look to: and the gentleman offered
Twenty-Five hundred q year, il ia sign
me papers at once. which" with re-
nectlve look at her pocket hanuker-
chief. Il did"
! told you so.' said Julia. soto
voce.
Mrs. Franklin rose in great indigna-
ton. her voice rising accordingly.
really Think said she, II should
be justified in placing this matter in
the hands of the lawyers, and"
WHY. Bee, my darling!'
'Laurence."
The foding-doors slid back and
Mrs. Franklyn found herself yis-a-yis
with her husband.
Here's the gent himself" said the
ancient female Who snnelled as if she
had stepped out a dye-tub (Which he
can eXpain!"
You never have taken this house,
laurence" almost shrieked Mrs.
Franklyn.
Yes, ! have my dear"
But offered two thousand for it,"
And have signed three years
lease at twenty-five hundred" said the
husband. somewhat sheepishly.
Miss Lesiardi burst out laughing
So. said She, your profound sec
recy has cost you just five hundred
dollars per annum."
Mrs. Franklin began to cry-the
elderly female looked as if she thought
the lease might be Initiated by this mat
rimonlai misunderstanding. Julia's
eyes sparkled roughishly.
Never mind, Bee said Mr.. Frank
lyn soothingly It's gem of house
anyway. and we'll be as happy as the
day is long in it. l only wish I had
confided in you about it,
And wi--wi-wsh hadn't been
SO obstinate and hateful whimpered
Bee.
Come" said Miss Lesiardi, lets
make haste, or we shall lose the seven
fifty waytrain!''
SO the old lady in the dyed gown
and the obstrusive ocket-handker-
chief went ont and took down the 40
let. And as she did so she chuckled
audibly.
Real estate +. oona Nv >, ,,;, a.,