The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1901-08-10
FLATS WITHIN FLATS.

FLATS WITHIN FLATS.
Jerome was jubilant- He turned the
corner and STROBE down Ohio street, Won
dering why Chicago should BE- favored
with such an exceptionally brilliant sun.
The four steps OF the Langhan were Ia
ken at a leap, and the elevator boy was
rudely awakened from the perusal OF a
dime novel as Jerome sprang into the
cage. He handed the boy q quarter. re-
iiecting that as he. Frank K Jerome, had
just had his salary doubled, he could at
ford 10 indulge in this undue extrava-
gance. Jimmy interrogated the coin, and
then asked:
"Aaint yer home early today, Mister
Jerome2"
Jimmy was silent as they passed an
other floor. and then burst out:
We're all goin' ter move.
Eth. Hows that?'
& heard Mister Selnlan tell another
gent yesterday as how the prop'ty was
gettin' tew vsIerble fer an apartment
house and that he wus goin' tew send
round notices ter vacate. Said ne didn't
care about fifth floor. cause they was
fats, anyway. and didn't never pay their
rent S'pose III get fired.
Jerome occupied the fifth floor, and in
spite of the accumulation of unpaid rent
bills ne felt insulted and eft the elevator
without answering. He had no reason TO
doubt Jimmy veracity, for he found the
notice under the door, together with sew
eral duplicate" bills. whereupon he de-
cided to vacate Immediately. In prepara-
ton thereof he knocked at the door Of
fifth floor left.
While awaiting response, he could
distinguish the blows of a hammer, and
was not surprised at the confusion that
met his eyes when the door opened. \
screen and several chairs were piled on
divan, while the pictures hung askew and
3 flower pot nestled amid a pile of cUsh-
ions on the floor. The background held
his attention only for a second, and he
fixed his eye or the young lady holding
upon the door with one hand, while she
grasped a hammer with the other and
held several nails in her mouth. A streak
Of dust begrimmed one rosy cheek.
Miss Dahlgren. may l borrow your
screW-driver2"
She nodded her pretty head. the nails
preventing verbal response, and sought
The required tool amid a labyrinth of
trunks and furniture.
so you received your notice also he
continued, as she relinquished the ham
mer and nails and drove both hands deep
into waste-basket.
Yes. and a bill stamped duplicate
for company.
jerome burst out laughing. $50 you've
got them, too Have you decided on
your future residence"
mo, but I'm afraid I shalt have to go
out Of town. l was out TO EnglewoOd this
morning. looking for a suitable place, and
heard of a promising apartment house in
Hyde Park, which 1 intend viewing when
have finished this trunk VIII YOU
kindly sit on it, Mr.. Jerome? There" and
with a sigh of relief she sank into an
armchair, regardless OF pile Of lace
which already occupied it.
You are further advanced than I am,
and If you will wash your face I will
you and look after my own
interests"
Pauline gave a gasp on glancing into
the nearest mirror, which lay on the
floor beside the chair, and vanished, but
reappeared in five minutes with a Gain
borough hat and a lavender parasol. A
short ride down Wabash avenue brought
them to their destination.
1T viii be such a. delicious place for
me to do my painting in" murmured
Pauline. as the lake breeze rippled her
hair. and the sun WED with her ewes in
brightness. Frank silently swore that he
would take the other fat, regardless of
cost.
Frank called The janitor from the rear
window, where he had been observing
the deprcdatiOns Of his son and heir upon
a neighboring lawn. and requested to be
led TO the other fat.
1T wuz rinted this noon, sur" came
the response.
Frank turned a pitiful look on Pauline
But shure, sir" continued the 5anitor
the rint is afther bein' tho same and
It's not a bit better yell lOike it, an it's
not bit better yer wife would loilIe it,
aither."
Franks look turned to amusement,
while Pauline's turned crimson
The janitor misinterpreted the cause OF
her heightened color and FASTENED to
add:
IF We hev jest bin married an it's
housekapin' yere afther wantin' tew be-
gin it's here ven loike it best"
Pauline walked to the window to hide
her bushes and Frank followed. while
the janitor remained satisfied that he
had none his duty to his employers.
What do you say. Pauline" murmured
Frank; shall we take It? VIII my little
wife 1oiSe' it?"
Pauline drew a bill with the duplicate
stamp on it, from her pocketbook, and
timidly glancing into his face. an
swered:
IF her husband pays the rent while
they are here"
.8IuIdoon. said Frank, wheeling
around. Mr. and Mrs. Jones will take
the nat at the terms mentioned by you.
Here is 50 cents as a guarantee. Now,
where-er-is the nearest minister"
Il knew We would take it" remarked
the janitor. "and if it's a minister We
want, there IS one on the first floor
Boston Post