The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1901-08-22


take it so hard, sir" she
said.
How long have boarded with you,
Mrs. Basset:"
Seven years come September. sir"
"Quite right. During that time you
have occasionally accommodated men
who wished to board here, but never
women. l understood that no woman
was to be received here. For the last
year have been the only boarder, and
the solitude has been delightful. Now,
this womap-"
I'm that sorry" The emotion in her
voice was genuine. When she wrote
and asked ME to let her come said
yes right off. Once, sir, n long way
back. before John and me were mar
ried. was in service with Miss jean
cites mother. They We're rich folks
then. and held their heads high. All
that's changed now. It's me and John
that have done we'll and got money
out. Her parents arc dead. She sup
ports herself. She teaches school
night school. She wouldn't be here
in the evenings at all
"She attends clubs. suppose" he
ventured.
"She is President OF one and Secre-
tary of another. She is bright"
He groaned. His opportunities to
study the progress Of women had been
limited.
when is she TOTO honor uS-with
her preserce?"
"Not-not before tomorrow after
noon, SIR
He muttered something about twen-
ty-four hours of grace, and went off to
his big, beautiful front room, wherein
were gathered together his accumula-
ton OF literary and artistic treasures.
An hou: later he opened his door IN
response 10 q tentative knock. I'D
like TO ask you a favor. Mr.. Freer.
sir" began Mrs. BasSet. I've just got
a telephone message that my sister.
who lives on the west side, has come
down with pneumonia. She's the only
sister I've got. and I'm worried TO
know how bad she is. l thought-sec-
ing you were staying in. sir"
Yes. That's all right
But it's Thursday, and Della IS 60
Ing out. The new hcuSemaid was to
come at 5. l thought-if it wouldn't
be asking too mpch-if you'd let her
in when she rings
Certainly ANY directions"
mo. She won't need to do anything
till get back Thank you. sir"
She took her portly person away, and
Alexander Frecr went back to his
book. He left his door wide that he
might hear the ring. IIc did hear 1t
an hour after Dclia's cracking skirts
on the stairs had indicated her festive
departure. He went down, opened the
door. The girl in the vestibule wore
a trim black gown Il tan jacket, ana
an audacious little spring hat. She
has ripping reddish hair and the milk
white skin that goes with it. q scar
let mouth and eyes of forget -me-not
blue. Something 'singu.arly youthful
and fragile about the slight form,
something lonely il the lifted eyes, ap-
pealed TO him. :.
Mrs. BasSet was obliged to go out. y
he explained Tie cook is also ab-
sent. You are the new housemaid. l
believe. Come in. Mrs. EasSet de-
sired ME to meition ti>"c would be
no task fo- you until her return,
For = moment she regardeS him
blankly. Then her lips droobtd:.s Il
am sorry" she said. advancing. She
took oftlhe: hat aUd .acketsard hung
them ut. Il couid 60 4 .sosd deal il
knew what was to be doae."
To Go. Hadn't he 6ccn"srarinc OF
and or S.nce breakfast at tnc dusty
books oil his topmost shelves. Had he
not been cherishing secret plan OF
fight: But he could not pack his
precious possessions himself.
II wonder" he cried, in n somewhat
volcanic fashion, IF you would be
good enough to help Inc pack my books
ard ctchings? can bring my packing
boxes out 0f tho basement. am go
inc to change ny quarters. We would
have few hours before Mrs. Basset
gets home" he went on. hastily. Il
shall be glad to pay we'll for the as
s.staGce.'
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