The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-11-14

buy this house, and they would be viii
ing to pay you something over what
was paid for 1t. 1t won't make mucl
difference to you. as you have no chill
dren and one place is as good as an
other
"As to children. men," responded Mr.
Smith thoughtfully, there will be five
of them down here next week. 'Twasn''
right to bring 'em till we got things
fixed up bit"
CONSERVATION reigned in the breast.
of the visitors. Five little Smiths run
ming wild in West Park! There would
not be. a whole pane Of glass in the
place in two weeks. The necessity fol
getting rid of the Smith family was
greater than before.
I'VE will give you $3.50 more thar
you paid for the property" offered Mrs
Pratt in a businesslike tone. THAI
will be good profit in so short time
Will you take it?"
Couldn't think of it, men," returned
the affable Mr.. Smith. "'Twouldn'1
pay for the expenses Of moving bott
ways"
"Will you take $5OO?"
Mr.. Smith had never moved in good
society. but he was nevertheless man
of keen judgment. A faint smile ap
peared around the corners Of his rather
large mouth. and his gray eyes twin
killed. merrily.
This place was for sale long time
before Mr.. Elder sold it, warn't it
menu" he questioned, eying Mrs
Pratt closely Its a pity your folks
didn't buy then"
'They didn't want the house then,
replied Mrs. Pratt evasively. "Wil
you take the $500, Mr.. Smith,"
'Then there's two or three houses in
West Park. just as good as this one
that can be bought for the price this
ere cottage COST" continued Mr.. Smith
not needing Mrs. Pratt's question. 81
can't quite make it out, mem, un.
Less
unless what? demanded Mrs. Pratt
not relishing the searching glance Mr.
Smith fixed upon her.
UNLESS, men," continued Mr.. Smith
slowly. you don't sorter think me and
Marthy good enough for West Park and
want to get rid of u.s.
"Oh, Mr. Smith, demurred the three
visitors in chorus. but the telltale
CONSERVATION that had been wrought
by the unexpected words. what
makes you think such thing?"
"Well, ladies'" returned Mr.. Smith
without the slightest trace of ill feel
ing. Il saw one Of you pass the other
evening when l was a-sl.tin' here In
my shirt sleeves. and that ones nose
was turned up 50 far that was 'fraid
1t would set out of flint. Then. when
another Of you folks saw Marthy
a-washin' off this ere porch, that ones
mouth got all p,lckered up as if she had
been eatin persimmons. l guess you
think we amt good enough for you,
don't you?"
1--WE look at it this way, Mr.. Smith, ~
stammered Mrs. Pratt nervously, feel
ing devoutly sorry that she had under
taken the plan Of purchasing the cot
tage. 1--WE don't think you are-ahem-
we'll, accustomed to such society as
there is in West Park. We don't mean
any disrespect, Mr.. Smith. but every
one likes to mingle with those who are
congenial. You don't keep any serv-
ants and you won't enjoy it down here,
50 we thought we'd make you this offer.
What do you say?"
cts very kind of you to think of
me-" returned Mr. Smith, in no way Of
Tended. I'm sorry. mem. but l must
say that we're goin' to stay in West
Park"
Good evening"" chorused the visitors,
Indignant at the failure Of their plan
and crestfallen at Mr. Smiths correct
surmise Of their view regarding him.
Zone moment, ladies'" called Mr..
Smith as his visitors descended the
steps. "Me and Marthy won't lower
the tone Of this ne;gLborhood. We
don't own this house-not much! Mar
thy she's the cook, and Pm the gar
dener. We just come down to fix Up
the place for Mr.. Norwood. who's COM
in down next week with his wife and
children and three more servants"