The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1907-03-20

and wondered why some women looked
coat and soft FELT hat,
These early spring days are 80 uu
certain" she was saying, II wish
there was fireplace in that corner,
You could just as well build one. for
the chimney runs up there from the
parlor. Then we'd have 4 snapplug
sparkling fire that would make the
whole house seem charming, | believe
we'd make sale. rain or shine"
But the tireplaces would add 10 the
cost Of the houses" said I.anghorna
doubtfully.
-And make prospective customers
overlook some other defects In ycu,
houses. noticed YOU have no back
stairs. Now. every suburban house,
wife likes separate stairs for her one
servant. She II much more punctilious
In such matters than the city house
keeper"
"Eh-whatG" exclaimed I.anghornc
curlovsly.
Yes. and you should have utilizcj
that wasted space for closet for rub
Der coats. umbrellas. overSbDes etc. y
woman will fall for couple OF con.
venient closets when stained glass WIN
dows and artistic tilgg are lost upor
her"
LanGhorne was all attention now.
Il didn't suppose that city CIR
would notice things SO closely"
q began life in yillage," said Betb
quietly. Besides, il am to help you
sell these places must believe ln
them, and | 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 we're brought TO her be.
fore the work was commenced.
Hollingworth Terrace became the cen.
ter around which everything moved,
and Aunt Ellen studied plans and Of
fered suggestions to young Langhorne,
who had taken to bringing drawings to
the cozy Graham fiat. So far simple
cottages costing $1,000 or 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 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 freplaces
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 he dig not look her in the eye.
He talked about any and every subject
but HollinGworth Terrace, and Beth
knew that The Lodge had been sold.
"You might as well fess up," she
said, with pretended gaysty.
He nodded his head.
Eyes. 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 roomT
"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 singIeT
"Single. but he bought 1t hoping that
a certain girl would share 1t with him"
"Was she with him? IL she a nice
girl? Do you think she will appreciate
it?' demanded Beth breathlessly. "Y0u
know | simply love that fireplace in
the hall"
Langhorne rose abruptly and paced
the floor. Suddenly he paused before
her chair, his lips firm, his blue eyes
ablaze with light she had never seen
there before
do you think-could you make up
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 disliked
him so) offered me 5000 today for The
So '"h hin +. ,-ae eo!G. I Gimgiy