Akron daily Democrat. [volume] (Akron, Ohio) 1892-1902, 1899-05-26

horrid, damp hole.
Miss Lesiartii was Just making up he
mind to another season of frogs, damn
kitchen and fresh eggs at s cents apiece
when Bee came exultingly back from tn
city one evening.
"Oh. Julia" she cried, I've seen tn
sweetest little gem of houser'
Been house hunting, eh?'' said Mis-
Lesiardi, who had got the tea ready. Th
thirteenth ''help" had gone off in a huf
that morning
We'll, no, not exactly house hunting
you know, but l saw the bill, and wen
in. The neighborhood delightful, tn,
park handy
And the remit" eagerly demanded Mis-
'Lesiardi, with eyes like blue moons.
''Only 81, 500 a year. u
'Ohr' said Julia but isn't that
great deal:"
Not when you consider the price o
houses in general. I'll go back tomorrow
and secure it; but mind, it's secret.
don { want Laurence to know that l have
taken any trouble. ="
Mrs Franklyn had retired TO bed wher
her husband came home. Miss Lesiardi
however, was up TO pour his tea.
umphantly, "I've found the house We
want
Julia looked up with almost scared ex
preston in her face ''You haven't taker
it, laurence
mo, but l shall tomorrow"
II wouldn't do anything without con,
sulting Bee, " pleaded Julia.
Il shall give her pleasant surprise, y
said Mr. Franklyn, buttering a muffin
Remember, Ju, this is between you and
me-
Early next morning Mr.. Franklin went
to New York. Bee followed in the next
train, while Miss Lesiardi breathlessly
awaited the crisis
Mrs. Franklyn returned rather earlier
than her sister had expected her, with 8
bright, flushed face.
"Well?'' said Julia breathlessly
''Ive agreed to pay So, 600 year fol
it," said Mrs. Franklyn.
"Two thousandr' echoed Miss Lesiardi.
II thought it was only 81, $780,"
"Well, so it was, but there's another
party, it seems, anxious to secure the
house, and
"Oh, nonsense exclaimed Julia.
THAT'S only the professional landlady s
ruse"
''Oh, but it's true" persisted Bee, ''for
saw his hat on the sideboard, and ]
caught a glimpse of his legs walking
about in the upper story to see if the paint
was in good order Oh the second floor, so !
said I'd give her $4,000
And suppose the other party-who, ]
dare say, was the plumber or gasftter or
la aINp,,
repairs-should offer 81. 5OO?"
HE WON'T said Bee confidently.
1.-The house isn't worth that
But really think, Bee, darling, you'd d
better speak to Laurence P"
SO WILL said Bee, this evening.
He will see that his wife is something
more than Il dead letter in the family, but
l want you to go and see the house this
afternoon, Julia.
The level rays of the soft April sunset
were shining into the pretty little double
drawing room of the house on Millard
square as Bee led her sister exultantly
into it,
"Just look at those marble mantels, u
she said, land the pattern of the cornices
and the pierglasses and the gas fixtures
go with the house, and'-
"Oh, beg your pardon, ma am, I'm
surer' said falcon nosed, elderly lady,
who advanced, bearing with her a smell
of dyed bombazine. IN sorry to disap-
point you, but
You have not let the house?''
Yes, ma'am, l have A poor lone
widow like me has her own interests to
look to, and the gentleman offered 50, 500 a
year if I'd sign the papers a once, which,
with a reflective look at her pocket hand
kerchief, Il did
Mrs. Franklyn rose in great indigna
ton, her voice rising accordingly.
81 really think" said she, Il should be
justified in placing this matter in the
hands of the lawyers, and''-
"Why, Bee, my darlingn'
"Laurencei"
The folding doors slid back, and Mrs
Franklyn found herself Wis avis with her
husband.
''Here's the gent HIMSELF said the an
cient female. (which he can explain.
"You never have taken this house, Lau-
rence?'' almost shrieked Mrs. Franklyn.
Yes, have, my dear"
But offered $4,000 for itr'
and 1 have signed a three years lease
at So, 500," said the husband somewhat
sheepishly.
Miss Lesiardi burst out laughing
$50, said she, ''your profound secrecy
has cost you just $500 per annum.'
"Never mind, Bee," said Mr.. Franklyn
soothingly. Its a gem of house any
way, and we'll-be as happy as the day is
long in it. L only wish had confided in
you about it. !"
stinate and hateful" whimpered Bee.
Come" said Miss Lesiardi let's
make haste, or we shall lose the 1850 way
train. New York News.