Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1899-09-21

ardi, however, was up to pour his tea.
We'll, Julia salL Mr. FRANKLIN,
triumphantly, I've found the house we
want"
Julia looked up with almost a scared
expression on her face. You haven't
taken it, Laurence?"
"No, but | shall tomorrow.
Il wouldn't do anything without con-
sulting Bee, pleaded Julia.
81 shall give her a pleasant sur
prise, said Mr., FRANKLIN, buttering a
muffin. Remember, Ju, this is be-
tween you and me-"
Early next morning Mr. Franklin
went to New York. Bee followed the
next train, while Miss Lesiardi breath
lessly awaited the crisis.
Mrs. Franklin returned rather earl
Ter than her sister had expected her,
with bright, flushed face,
"Wen?" said Julia breathlessly.
I've agreed to pay $4,000 a year FOR
it," said Mrs Franklin.
Two thousand" echoed Miss Lesi
ardi 81 thought 1t was only $500"
"Well, so it was. but there's another
party, ii seems, anxious to secure the
house, and
ooh, nonsense!" exclaimed Julia.
That's only the professional land
lady's ruse,"
"Oh, but it is true" persisted Bee,
"for | saw his hat on the sideboard,
ana / caugl, t .a-,sslifapse. e} his. la+ss.
walking about in the upper story to see
IL the paint was in good order on the
second floor, SO | said ia give her
$4,000"
and suppose the other party-who
dare say, was the plumber or sas
filter or perhaps the carpenter, come to
see about repairs-should offer s2,500?"
Gle won't" said Bee confidently.
THE house isn't worth that"
But really think, Bee darling,
you'd better speak to Laurence"
so I will.' said Bee. " this evening.
He will see that his wife is something
more than a dead letter in the family,
but | want you to go and see the house
this afternoon, Julia"
The level rays of the soft April sun
set were shining into the pretty little
doubt drawing room Of the house on
Milla square as Bee led her sister
exultantly into it.
"Just look at those marble mantles,'
she said, "and the pattern of the cor
nices, and the pierglasses and the gas
fixtures go with the house, and"
"Oh, beg your pardon, ma'am, I'm
surei" saia a falcon nosed elderly
lady. who advanced, bearing with her
smell of dyed bombazine. I'm
sorry to disappoint you, but"
'You have not let the house?"
Eyes, ma'am | have. a poor lone
widow like me has her own interests to
look to, and the gentleman offered
$500 a year if I'd sign the papers at
once, which, with a reflective look at
her pocket handkerchief, Il did
Mrs. FRANKLIN rose in great indigna-
ton, her voice raising accordingly.
81 really think, said she, 81 should
be justified in placing this matter in
the hands of the lawyers, and"
"Why. Bee, my darling"
"Laurence!"
The folding doors slid back and Mrs.
Franklyn found herself vis-a-yis with
her husband.
Here's the gent himself" said the
ancient female (Which he can ex-
plain"
you never have taken this house,
Laurence?" almost shrieked Mrs.
Franklin.
Eyes I have, my dear"
"But ! offered two thousand for it,
And I have signed a three years
lease at $500" said the husband
somewhat sheepishly.
Miss Lesiardi burst out laughing
80" said she, your profound
secrecy has cost you just $500 per an
mum"
"Neyer mind Bee" said Mr. Frank
Ign. soothingly. TITS n gem OF n house
anyway, and wen be as happy rs the
day is long in it, I only wish I had
confided in You about It,"
and I wi-wi-wish I hadn't been 60
obstinate and hateful" whimpered
Bee.
Come" said Miss Lesiardl, Tets
make haste, or we shall lose the 1901
way train. - New York News.
THE pOERS As FIGHTERS