Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1907-02-27

keeper"
"Eh-what?" exclaimed Langhorne
curlously.
Eyes. and you should have utilized
that wasted space for a closet for rub
Der coats. umbrellas. overshoes, etc. A
woman will fall for couple OF con-
venlent closets when stained glass win
dows and artistic tiling are lost upon
her"
Langhorne was all attention now.
81 didn't suppose that a city girl
would notice things so closely"
II began life in village" said Beth
quietly. Besides, If | am to help you
sell these places | must believe in
them and l cannot believe In them
unless they are right"
Before the next excursion day rolled
around Beth had examined every house
under way. and her suggestions for
small alterations that would appeal to
the feminine mind were received with
respect Furthermore. all plans for
new houses were brought TO her be-
fore the work was commenced.
Holingworth Terrace became the CEN
ter around which everything moved,
and Aunt Ellen studied plans and of
fered suggestions to young Langhorne,
Sho had taken TO bringing drawings 20
the coy Graham fiat. So far simple
cottages costing $1,000 OF less had been
erected. Now they were planning more
ambitious residences and plotting the
most valuable site of their holdings,
broad knoll that overlooked the river
and surrounding country
Here In the heart of cluster of
pines was To be n house of old English
design, with high gables. sloping roof
and quaint interior finish Beth watch
ed those plans grow with jealous care.
She selected the timbers for finishing
the ceiling of the reception hall, living
room and dining room. The fireplaces
she and Langhorne designed from pic
lures of English country houses.
The excursions were heavily patron
lied now. Sales were made while
Beth's back was turned. Hollingworth
Terrace was booming beyond the fond
est hopes of its founders. Beth often
came in from her calls on prospective
customers to ask anxiously, HAS The
Lodge been taken|
They had named the house Of their
own planning The Lodge, nothing
more, and somehow she felt that she
should hate the man who bought 1t.
One night when Langhorne dropped
in to call ne did not look her in the eye.
He talked about any and every subject
l..t MI
knew that The Lodge had been sold.
you might as we'll fess up" she
said, with pretended gayety.
He nodded his head.
"Yes. We withdrew The Lodge from
the market at this afternoon
"Who bought 1t, and, oh, do you
think they will dare to put Turkish
rugs In that old English living roomY'
"Oh, no. / assure you he'll have
nothing but hand woven rugs. just as
you suggested"-
"Well. that Is some comfort" the !
girl murmured IF he has taste !
can forgive him. What sort OF man
Is he. married or single?'
''Single, but he bought II hoping that
certain girl would share II with him" 4
'was she with MIN? Is she a nice
girl? DO you think she will appreciate
it?v demanded Beth breathlessly. you
know simply love that fireplace In
the haITv'
Langhorne rose abruptly and paced
the ffoor. Suddenly he paused before
her chair. his lips firm. his blue eyes
ablaze with light she had never seen
there before
your mind-to sit beside that fireplace
-always-with me?-
She looked up at him. her breath
coming IN short. nervous gasps. her
eyes wide and startled
"Oh, know it's no end of cheeky In
me. but when that bloated barrel OF a
Hopkins you remember You disliSed
him sol offered me $500. today for The
Lodge tolsl him IL was sold / simply
had to buy II myself and take chances
on you. You're the certain girl
"Oh, Teddy, Teddy Langhorne"
said Beth. with a glad little cry. We'll
have hickory logs TO burn In the fire.
places yes, yes, ! love you. or
course IT isn't all the house. silly, but
It does count some. You know, we
bufit 1t together
"But to refuse $500 for It. Oh,
Teddy! That was downright reck-
lessv' she murmured later.
.'Oh, | don't know replied Lang
horne. regaining possession OF her
hand. personally. I think ! got a
pretty good bargain