The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1905-08-15
TELEPHONE
ROMANCE
By AMY DUPREE
Copyright. 1904, by T. c. Mcclure

81 Copyright. 1904 by T. c. Mcclure Is
1.-TWO hundred thirty-four don't an
swer," said central, ringing off, but be-
fore she could lean back for an in
stant's breathing spell 719 NJ called her
up again.
Central, why can't get my house?"
I'm sure don't know" she answer
ed, with a suspicion of laughter in her
voice.
'T'Il bet those COMPOUNDED servants
are gossiping down in the basement.
Ring 'em again, and ring 'em like
thunder"
Central obeyed his orders energetical
ly, but without results.
II can't get any answer" she said
end of the line, "but I'll try them again
In a few minutes, and if l get an an
swer I'll call you up. No, won't for
get" she said, almost before the man
had uttered his warning. Il know you
call the house every morning from your
Office"
THANK you," said the man, much
Modified. ''Those servants are so care
less, and my niece, who looks after the
children, Is confined to her room by
illness
Circlevilles telephone system was
no yirlc
who presided in the central Office were
not kept occupied as In a larger city
because this was a new institution in
the pretty inland city and subscribers
were not coming in fast enough to sat
isfy the telephone company. Only one
Of the girls hailed from Circleville.
The other two were from Chicago, and
1t was Margaret Baxter, one Of the
Chicago girls, who had answered Mr..
Dickson's imperative calls.
For the next few minutes she was
kept busy plugging in and out on her
board. But all the time a queer little
smile lowered about her lips and a
light almost tender shone in her eyes.
1T would be very funny" she said
to herself, eff it should all be straight
ened out by telephone, and 1 would
not be at all surprised if that is just
what Jack hoped for" Then she turn
ed suddenly and rang up 234 J.
A rather thick voice with a distinct
brogue answered this call with a sui
len Hello" Margaret's face turned
grave and firm lines showed about her
mouth.
"Nhy has no one answered the tele-
phone" she said rather sternly. II
have been ringing you on and off for
fifteen minutes"
'Sure I've somethin' to do beside
runnin' up them stairs to answer this
bell. It's wonder woman can't eat
her breakfast in peace"
Margaret connected 234 with 719
NJ, signing softly to herself, poor
Charley and his babies at the mercy
Of that woman"
The conversation at the wire claim
ed her attention. There were reasons
why she felt she had a right to listen.
Hello, Mary, IS this you?
Eyes, sir"
How is Master Reginald?"
"Fine, sir"
What did he eat for his breakfasts p
"a peach, bowl Of rice and milk
and five cakes"
Now, Mary, I've told you repeated.
~ not to let him have hot cakes"
~Then. sir, you'll have to stay al
home and keep him from it. It's q
cook am and Ito nurse"
well, WELL" said the man anxious.
ly, as one who realized he was in 8
pred1cament and needed the good will
Of every one. TIN sure while Miss
Ellen is sick you will look after the
children, and I Will not forget it when
l pay you next week"
This bit Of diplomacy ELECTED nc
reply from the other end Of the wire.
HAS Miss Bessie gone to schoolY"
she has not. Sure the strings Of
her hood and one Of her rubbers Is
lost entirely, and told her she'd bes,
stay home till her Aunt Ellen could
get about"
Dear. dear" said the man. and 8
prodigious sigh seemed to choke hi.
utterance.