The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1903-08-26
HE-SHE~AN
THE IMP s.
BY A. G. ROwsEY
By A. G. ROwsEY
Copyright, 1901. by A. s. Richardson

He went to breakfast fully prepared
and determined to speak about it.
When half through the meal, he COM
promised with himself-he would just
hint.
Yet the evening came. With It his
laundry and the landlady, and the
hint was not. yet given.
Mrs. Halstead was the landlady, or
"the mother Of two, the relict of three"
as the cheerful idiot in the ballroom
epitomized her. "He was only coun-
ter Jumper" the landlady scornfully
remarked before she fired him.
Mrs. Halstead had watched the old
man all day. In her mind he had been
construed and reconstruct into a pos
sible fourth in the "also ram class
whereby she should change her name
and later wear Grape. For three
months at one time she had flutteriSgs
around the heart because of an air of
embarrassment about him when he
looked at her. Finally he told her
about some mice that had invaded his
closet. In her eyes it was evidently
only hasty excuse when his courage
failed him.
The ''old chump." as she called him.
had recently assumed mourning and
remained in his room all day. These
two things urged Mrs Halstead to en-
courage him to speak his mind, argu'
t.>1x hat IL
died and he had inherited.
So she pumped herself in a chair aft
er laying the laundry on the bed.
Grimly she waited.
Mr.. Peters was rejoiced at her lin
gering.
The lean old man paced the floor,
favoring her at every turn with a look
of indecision.
Mrs. Halstead." he began hesitat-
ingly-he seemed to be talking to the
rosebuds on the carpet-'I have-hem
wanted to speak to you about He
flushed, closed his thin lips obstinately
and continued his walk irresolutely.
"Was there ever such IN old foOl?
she said to herself under cover of her
apron-her face had habit of perspir
ing under mental pressure. "About"
she queried in her smoothest tone. Her
supplemental toilet was finished.
Yes. about His heart forsook him.
well. | guess another time will do.
Mrs. Halstead" He sat down. treni-
bling.
In the glare that she threw at the
back of his bald head the orange bios
SONS were dropping. dropping and go
ing.
Now, Mr.. Peters," she coaxed.
hadn't you better get it off your mind
once and for all? l know'd you wanted
to say-sOmething'' the coy ways
Of forty-five years and $50 pounds
"and-and couldn't jest get the hang of
it-how to say it. mean."
Her words were very grateful to
him.
Perhaps you are right; only !
thought-it might-be considered-er-
-imbecilic-senile"-
"Fd like to see any one say SO, sir"
she bristled, like porcupine, or as
only landlady can. They would not
stay in this house and say it. Be
Sides l think every-every one"-shy-
ly-"rather expects it."
"Oh. indeed. Well. I am sure-still,
it is very gratifying-very. very" said
the old man. You see, the newspapers
say there are 800 Of them to choose
from. Do you think you could get a
nice, pretty one-for me-"
She was bewildered, but not entirely
nonplused. From experience she knew
the old man had habit of speaking
adjacent thoughts" aloud.
you won't mind the children" en-
deavoring to bring him round to the
main chance and at the same time as
certain the future status of her two
little darlings.
"Why, bless you, no." he exclaimed.
81 love children-always have-er-
good ones Nowsthat feel financially
able to care for one, want to indulge
myself 1t has been the dream Of my
life" The old man was talking to
himself. Il have lived lonesome
life. l never had a hobby, like other
men, except this" Then he turned to
her Il prefer a boy, not too old-two
or three years. / trust, would be old
enough; also, while think Of it, will
pay you for any trouble he may cause
you" Mr.. Peters drew forth his wal
let. His face was full Of tremulous
excitement
Mrs. Halstead mentally heard dull
thud as the bottom fell out of her
hopes. But she did not show it when
the old man placed bin and news
paper clipping in her palm and dis
missed her with '.Piease get him to-
morrow. poor little chap! l suppose