Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-02-17
CHILDREN AT A DISCOUNT

OK" said the young man to the rent
ing agent. We'll take the fat and move
in on the 18th or 10th. Want half a months
rent in advance?"
'Oh, we're not particular about that" re-
piled the agent. I'm glad the Cat suits
you I think you'll find it pretty conven-
lent. You may just keep the key, and we'll
consider the fiat rented. Oh-er-by the
way, 1 forgot to ask you one thing, and
that's"
mo. don't play the cornet," interrupted
the young man, and"
But that's not it. Have you a.
Nope. We haven't any piano. and we're
not likely to have one. My wife used to
play, but she's given it up"
Wait minute and RI tell you what"
81 know what you think-you think I'm
one O. those dummed literary fellers,'
and that / pace-not walk, but pace-the
floor all night trying to think up brilliant
things, thus disturbing the people in the
fiat below, but I'm nothing Of the sort 1
manage to earn my daily bread during the
hours of the day downtown, and I'm not
in the pacing class. So that's all right
Here the young man made an Intellectual
attempt to get away without any further
questioning, but the agent barred the way.
What I wanted to inquire said the
agent, in a cold, relentless tone, lis this:
Have you any children
The young man sank back In chair and
placed hot hand to his pallid brow.
We'll, I've done the best 1 could" he
muttered. II told her I'd try to get away
before l was cornered on that question.
but haven't made it stick. Yes he said
dismally, addressing the agent, heaven
help me, / have children-two of employ
and girl-boy four, girl five n half-doeS
that bust the deal, and have 1 got to hunt
around for cave to live in?'
I'm very sorry" said the agent, reach
ing out for the key, but it's one of the in
nj hi ,.fr1p Of ha fat
property that no children are to be taken
into any of the apartments, and"
But I'll tell you what I'll do" put in the
young man, hopeful expression chasing
ieself across his features, "TH execute
bond to the effect that the first time either
of my young ones makes enough noise to
cause kick on the part of any of the other
fiat-dweilers, why
Impossible" said the agent, smiling.
There are ten thousand reasons why chill
dren are undesirable in lighthouses, and 1t
would take me week to go over the list
with you. I'd like to let you have the fiat,
but, under the circumstances-you know
have to comply with owners desires-not
matter of Observation-Disclosures is business
let one tenant with children in, they'd all
want to bring children in-we've got a lot
of houses We can rent you, you know
when you make up your mind that you'd
like delightful little bijou house, why,
We've got just the"
Just at this point beautiful young
matron came in with the frou-frou of
silk duat-ruffle
Il have seen the fat-the key to one of
the other flats fitted it, she said to the
agent, land I'm sure my husband will like
it, so you may count on us as tenants for
that fat
Let me see,'' said the agent, (which fiat
do you mean?'
The young man who had been turned
down because he had a couple of children
had not yet left the office, and he was in
terested to hear the young matron mention
the fiat that had just been refused him.
ooh, you like it, them" said the agent,
shooting victorious glance at the cha
grined young father, as who would say
You see. It's dead easy for us to rent
flats, and to people without such eneum-
branceS as young ones"
We will move in on the 18TH said the
young woman. I'll just give you a little
list of references
Thank you, madam said the agent. ac-
cepting the list. "Er-uh-by the way,
have you any children?"
Il have two of the sweetest little loves
that ever lived'' replied the young woman,
enthusiastically, but they're not Children
in the common, ordinary acceptation of the
term. l just dote on
'Er-excuse me-" interrupted the agent,
Il have no doubt that your children are
lar beyond common, ordinary children, but
children are children, according to the legal
and business definition. and one of the rules
of that tat-house is that no
The young matron gave musical laugh.
she said joyously 1.-The dearest little
things you ever"
oh" said the agent, smiling, that's all
right, then. Well be deliehte to have YOU
take the fiat. Here's the key. Well send
man up to give the place thorough scour-
ing. No, never mind the advance payment.
All. good-morning. NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
iug,'
The young man who had been turned
down for the same fiat because of his chill
dren fingered in the doorway long enough
TO catch this conversation, and then he
went to his office. sat down at his desk, and
wrote the following:
VANTED-TO EXCHANGE TWO NICE. QUIET
children-one boy four years Of age, the other
girl five and half years Of age-both in good
condition and repair, warranted to wear well
and give satisfsction-for a brace of fox terrier
pups viii make good terms with right party.
'If 1 thought The Star would print that"
unused the young man, I'D take it down
town to 'em. But 1 s'pose I'd be turned
down there. too: But I'm determined not
to poison my children. anyhow