The Montgomery advertiser. [volume] (Montgomery, Ala.) 1885-1982, 1906-09-23

,on, Richardson sat alone on the
wide yeranda, looking over the stretch
nf green that sloped to the river. no
WAS always alone. There was Iiutter
ng of womens dresses IN an out %
he shrubbery. Boats IN Whlnc guess
we're disporting themselves dotted tue
liver. A big touring car with more
guests rolled noisily down the road on
the way to the golf links Everywnere
were couples and groups, except on
the veranda, where the one figure sat
frowning and in silence. And all these
were guests, visiting at the invitation
of his son and Ethelberta; the young
Mrs Richardson; but they ate MS pro-
visions. slept under his roof, used ms
grounds and vehicles, enjoyed the
hospitality of his home
The table before him held o checker
hoard. cheers and glasses, but he was
gazing beyond it lnoodily. Sohtaire
Checkers! 1t was well he had learned
to play this game. With wrathful
gesture he swept the pieces from him.
ct must cost me hundred dollars
a dav to run this place" he said
aloud, for these Dc people! Molly!
he called peremptorily to maid re-
turning with a tray of glasses recent
ly emptied of refreehing drinks by
people in the arbor.
She came indifferentiy. weir
"'Well,' is it?" he exclaimed In a
tone that made her jump so as almost
to drop the glasses, bending upon her
q glare from under his heavy ,orows.
send Miss Lawlor to pe instantly
Eyes, sir"
The maid obeyed with uncommon
| alacrity. and presently Miss Lawlor
stood before him, a capable, unassum-
ing woman. Gray was her hair ou'
her face and eyes were young.
svo.l wish see me MIR, Richard
son?"
IT do" he answered How much is
II costing me to run this establishment
these days?"
81 will get my account book and lei
you know"
his eyes followed her with grim re-
spect. Here was one person who knew
| the meaning of an account book; knew
where money went. If not where II
came. and she did not rattle in silker
skirts. She returned quickly, and after
a moments figuring said:
ut has cast so far this season 3d.
e46.2O, including expenses for yester'
day"
"You keep the book up to date, don't
vou?' he said Sure it's right?"
with some dignity she replied: 80
have not been managing your house
for all this time, Mr.. Richardson, with
out learning how to keep accounts
Good! How long have we beer
here? figure 1t is thirty-two days"
She calculated. Yes, thirty-tw'
"Then it's more than a hundred dol
lars a dayp he exclaimed, thu.npin'
his fist so vigorously that the checker
went flying from the table. MY in
come is less than $4,000 year. A
this rate how much is going to be lef
10 nav the other bills?" He continAe
IN : calmer voice. I'm tired of thi
Miss Iawlor, mighty tired It's abou
time we cleared these parasites out
They live on me and don't know In
alive!"
The housekeeper's face expressed
alarm, then sympathy
at is pretty lonesome for you, Mr.
Richardson. ="
The human, sympathetic recognition
almost startled him, the first in years
Ever since hts wife had died fourteen
wears ago he had lived PRACTICAL
alone; mis- SON in another atmosphere
his sons wife uuinterested in him. Oh
friends he had left behind when for
tune urged him on to win her smiles
not purpose4y, but they were plat
reople, and a little difident about fol
lowing up even long standing acquaint
ance when 1t had begun to tread !
golden paths. New friends he had bee
too busy to make. and many tim
he regretted that he had ever bee
satisfied and retired from money-mak
ing activity so soon. But there wer
always people around. and thew -