Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1900-08-16
his glance. For moment she did not

er buster in the other. The woman
hater watched her as she worked with
an anxiety that finally merged in COM
handle book!
II feel like criminal" he told her,
laughing. II know now how men feel
who go off leaving their board bill I'M
paid. tried to tell Mrs. Ba>set this
morning that would leave, but lack
ed the courage. The dear soul. 1t VIII
be many a day before | find a place that
suits me as this does"
why are you leaving, thcn:' she
asked.
You may not think mine the best OF
reason. am leaving because Mrs. Bas-
set is to receive another boarder--;l
woman"
"Yes?" Clearly she expected him to
say more.
Il understand she is one OF those ap'
palling creatures they call new wom-
en-" he went OH. "She supports her
self, you know, teaches school. and even
wrItes-books on abstruse subjects"
Dear! Dear!" calculated the pretty
housemaid.
sympathy Is sweet II any one had
told Alexander Freer that morning he
would have been glad of its gift from
Il housemaid he would have been in
credulous. But here he was, hugging 1t
to his fattered soul and fishing for
more. He told her how he had never
known real home since his mother
died, when he was a boy Of 10. After
than there were schools and colleges.
Then travel, hotels and boarding
houses. Here" he concluded, 1--WE
been comfortably anchored for seven
years. with leisure for my own interests
and pursuits, and quite secure from In.
corruption. But now must give it up.
never can face that gaunt creature in
spectacles, who will talk pednntically
to me across the table three times a
day"
Does she wear spectacles"
Freer lifted his head out Of the pack
ing case. "lm sure she does. They all
do-the clever ones. She might expect
me to take up municipal reform. She"
the sweat Of fear breaking out on his
Orehead-"might give me worsted
a birthday edition of poems
she might!'
"Thats So" assented a solemn little
voice from the ladder. In the silence
that followed they heard the hall clock
strike.
"Four!" Freer exclaimed. $50 late.
Mrs. Basset may be back any minute
Hank. isn't that her now!" He Stun
bled to his feet. looking like a detected
There! One box is ready.
anyhow. You must lei mo thank you,
Miss -Miss---'
jean" she prompted.
Miss Jean--and take this" There
was a sound of the door. which had
been opened with latchkey. swinging
slut again. A heavy step came up the
stairs. You are welcome, but can't
take any money. Here is Mrs. Bias
set.'
And there, indeed. was that worthy
woman, leaning against the open door
and staring in wild establishment at the
scene presented. The packing cases
the heaped-up books-the COMPOUNDED
owner of the latter-the girl on the lad
der.
"Jeanette." she cried. "Aly dear.
What does this mean:'
II did not intend coming until to-mor-
row." Miss jeanette Wallace had de-
>cended from her elevated seat and was
greeting her friend warmly. Il changed
my mind at the last minute-and came.
Now I'm going to change 1t again-and
go away"
"Mr. Freer." pleaded the embarrassed
"what is all this about:"
MY blunder, madam" he cried re-
Took this young lady for
the housemaid and asked her to help
me pack my books! beg her pardon,
I'm sure!"
'But-packing! Were you going to
leave? Oh. MIR. Freer! And all on ac-
count Of"
"Of me-" cried jeanette, gayly. "But
1 shan't be your boarder, Mrs. Basset.
Mr.. Freer will stay"
Whereat Mr.. Freer Immediately de-
veloped most extraordinary con;radic-
tOriness.
Not unless you do" he declared,
Mrs. Basset looked helplessly from
one to the other.
'Well. it's all right now," said Freer,
land I'm going to unpack
these books and put them back where
they belong"
1t was pouring rain one afternoon
couple Of months later when jeanette
Wallace came forth from meeting Of
the Woman's Club. An umbrella was
raised as she stepped out, and famil-
lar figure walked beside her through
the rain.
"This Is rash" she cried. ut il al.
most as bad as taking me to lectures!
But l haven't given you worsted slip
pers yet-nor birthday edition Of
poems!"
Alexander Freer held the umbrella
overwhelmed closer.
mo. but there is gift I'd dearly love
to have. little Jean-and only you can