The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1900-12-11
.~o+o~o~o~o%o o.so~o~o~o~os
DEB
. THE UNEXPECTED GUEST
GEO

- WV
o~o~o~oo~o~o~o~o"o"o
The long train sweeping into Chicago
stopped like a tired monster In the de-
pot. Henrietta looked eagerly from the
window, expecting to see her brother
among the waiting crowd. To her dis
may, he was nowhere to be seen. TAX
ing her satchel and her packages, she
mounted the stairs leading to the trees.
There, though the noise and din OF the
great city almost deafened her, she
felt more lonely and fOrlorn than II she
had been lost in the deep green woods
at home.
Collecting her scattered wits. she
took a cab and ere long arrived at the
PaIoma, the large apartment building
I'm which were located Toms bachelor
quarters. She asked In the Office for
Mr. Brooke's rooms and was put IN the
charge Of an elevator boy, who, stop
ping mt the second story, mumbled,
"Flrst 'partment to yer left" and i'm
medlately shot skyward.
Wishing to surprise her brother. Hen
rictta opened the door without knock
ing. A waiter was spreading n small
round table in the front room. She
bIushed under his curious gaze; then.
I'm order 10 let him know that she had
a right to be there, she said, with dig
nifty:
"My brother was expecting me. He
must have been at the depot but the
crowd was so great he failed TO hnd
me-"
"Yes'm." returned the waiter briskly;
che went TO meet lady. thought he
said his mother, but see ! was mis-
token. | was to have breakfast at
$50"
He left the room. and Henrietta re-
moved her hat and jacket. How KIND
II was OF Tom to have this coy little
breakfast all ready for her. He had
written that I'm this building one could
live on the American or European plan
or try n mixture Of both but what mad
he meant by stating that bis rooms
were plainly furnished? His ideas bad
changed wonderfully since he left
home. Here were expensive rugs. rich
hanglngs. luxurious furniture. two or
three handsome lamps and dozens or
odd cnrios which must be worth for
tune i'm themselves. Tom was either
growing extrayagant or his practice
was increasing at phenomenal rate.
She found vase, n treasure In IT.
self, and i'm II she arranged some How
ers. roses and honeysuckles, brought
from home placing them in TIE middle
of the table. and the waiter, coming In
at that moment, glanced at them ap-
provlngly. He took from his tray some
plates. which be wiped with flourish
and a dish containing luscious henri
spheres Of nutmeg melon filed with
cracked ice.
"The steak will be brOiled as soon AS
he comes" said the knight Of the white
apron explanatory. "and III bring IL
and the chocolate up with the other
things" Tom even remembered that
she was fond Of chocolate! What a
dear fellow he was!
Some one turned the knob OF the
door. and. exclaimlng, There he is|
Henrietta ran into the dim little hall
and into the arms OF the newcomer
whom she Rugged with all her might.
ooh, Tom, I'm so glad she began
and then gasped for breath, for this
handsome young man was not Tom!
He was accompanied by a silver hair
ed lady, who was looking at her SO
coldly that the pink glow on the girls
cheek deepened to a rich carmne.
81 beg your pardon" she faltered.
81 was expecting my brother" and the
brown eyes filed with tears.
"There Is some mistake" said the
stranger. recovering from the amaze
ment caused by having been unex-
pectedly Rugged by pretty girl.
Henrietta recounted the history OF
the morning and told him her brothers
name. II have nevermet your brother"
said he, "but happen to know that
Mr.. Brooke occupies rooms lmmedi-
ately above these on the next floor.
George. 90 up and tell AIr. Brooke that
his sister is here. Allow me to intro
duce myself, Miss Brooke" he con-
tinued smiling. MY name is Loyel.
and this is my mother"
The old lady took the girls hand and
patted il affectionately as she said
Don't worry about 1t, dear; it's all
right now"
The waiter returned and said Mr..
Brooke had gone down town. Then
he did not receive my letter| cried
| Henrietta.
"Never mind" said Mr. Loyel hos
pltably; you must give us the pleasure
Of your company at breakfast. Then
will telephone your brother that you
are here"
II was a most enjoyable breakfast,
after all and when Tom arrived. sur
prised and pleased. and had taken bis
sister away, Mrs. LOvel said to her
son: "What a beautiful grill And so
naive and sweet that the scent OF her
clover blossoms seems to cling to her
garments"
He agreed and added: 1--WE must not
forget our promise to call upon them
Do-do you think 1t would be too soon
to go up there tomorrow evenlngT-