The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1898-11-10

HAVE come to get the key which
understand Mr.. Ames left here
when he moved away" said the young
man.
"Oh, yes" said the old lady. "step
right in and I'll get it for YOU"
While she was gone he seated him
self in softly-cushioned chair and
looked about the room. A large cat
made friendly advances and was set
tied in his lap by the time the old lady
came back. She sank ponderously
into her chair and looked at the young
man with kindly scrutiny.
care you Mr.. John Arnold, the new
owner of Mr. Ames' house,"
Eyes. The unhappy owner, should
have said few days ago. but now
have changed my mind.''
Arnold did not know what made him
say that last, it was not at all neces-
sary. but there was something in the
old lady's face which invited conf
Gencc.
"Indeed?" she said. II wonder why
you changed your mind."'
swell, I'll tell you about it," he said,
leaning back comfortably in his chair
and stroking the purring cat.
Il took the mortgage on the place
without having the slightest idea that
it would ever come into my possession
I did it partly to accommodate Ames
and partly AS speculation. That was
five years ago. For some time Ames
has been getting behind on his inter-
est, and did not look after him as
ought. so was rather surprised and
not little disgusted when found last
week that I was the owner of the
place. and that Ames had moved away.
I haven't been out here for number
Of years, and I did not remember
much about it except that there was
small house on half an acre of land,
and that it was very far from salable.
So there was, with white elephant
on my hands and no earthly use for
him."
The old lady smiled. ""H'' :
swell, in a day or two had bril-
liant idea. I was sick in the winter,
don't feel real good now, and the doc
tor every time see him tells me must
get outdoors more. But as am stu
ated there's not much inducement to
go outdoors. My boarding place is
only five minutes from the law office
where I work. and when one is tired
he doesn't feel like walking or even
riding the bicycle just for the exercise.
-
to live. Get my own supper and break
fast, you know, and potter around in
garden. I can go into town on the
electric cars till the roads get settled
cnoug!, to ride my wheel. Idon't have
to gel to the office till nine. so I'd have
plenty of time to take the four miles
easy"
II think it is beautiful PLAN" said
the old lady. cordially. There's moth
ing that will do you any more good
than to be out in the air.
II am glad to hear you say that,'
snid Arnold. his face lighting up.
''Every one else have talked to thinks
am crazy. But I am determined to
try it a month, at any rate. So to-day
came out to look at the house and see
what things I'll have to get to make it
habitsble."
IF there is anything can do to help
you, don't hesitate to call me. And I
hope you will be real neighborly and
come in to see US evenings. Father and
get kind of lonesome sometimes.''
Arnold put the cat on the floor re-
luctantly and rose to go.
"Yon are the only one who has given
me the least encouragement" he said,
land thank you, Mrs. -
my name is Littlefeld," said the old
lady, as she gave him her fat hand to
shake. - TX to
When, q few evenings later, he can1e
to arrange his np1seh61d effects, Mrs.
Littlefield caQie" 66ver and helped him
to make fds Email honse' look Home
like. '':fhen2she insisted on his taking
tea over at her house, and he CONSENT
ed, saying that when he got settled
she must return the call.
He stayed late into the evening, and
when he went to his own house he
felt little homesick; but that did
not last long, as he soon fell asleep.
When he weat by his neighbours to take
the car tho next morning he waved
his hand gayly to Mrs. Littlefield, who
stood at the window.
That loon ne went to his old board
ing place, where he was to continue
to take his dinners. He had lived with
Mr.. and Mrs. Austin for number of
years, and Mrs. Austin felt motherly
solicitudc for him. She looked at him
anxiously as ne came in, and almost
overwhelmed him with questions as
to whether he slept well, and if he
had breakfast enough, and If he wasn't
very tired, and didn't he think he had
better stay in town that night, and
was the hoIe properly aired before
he went into it. c..#5.-5
For the first week Arnold himself
was little doubtful about his expert
ment, and Mrs. Austin's fears and
questions rather annoyed him, but
at the end of that time he began TO
get fused to his new life, and he became
more cheerful than he had been for
months. d. ).
BY the time the grass began to turn
green he could not have been persuad-;