The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1908-08-06

i anu tue EsNMl VIII Uc opposite the Win.
dow, with It's side to the wall, so thar
Bertha can play and vet see 10 while
he smokes. And then that open fire.
think how cosy 1t win be for them In
the wlnterw
"Yes, that would be all right for
some couples" said Wilson, but hon.
estly, Dorothy, do you think that DO
and Bertha with all their money
would be content TO begin life In 4
humble cottage like this, In the hum.
bic way you suggestr
why, Harry, Of course they willr'
the girl exclaimed in hurt tone
when they see what dear house 1t
Is they'll just fall In love with It, as
l have"
Maybe" said Wilson dublously,
but It strikes me that II would be
more suited lowell, say, for example
a couple like us--if we were married.
The rent of this house can't be much,
and haven't got much money. You're
in love with the house, and I'm IN
love with--it too. Now
Goodness" she exclaimed. wen
have to hurry II we're going to in.
vestigate all those other houses,"
Somewhat sulkily Wilson locked the
door Of the little house But he and
the girl visited no more houses that
afternoon. for Wilson very suddenly
became converted to the idea that
Bertha and 10 would be charmed by
the little house, and nothing would do
but he must see the real estate agent
and secure an option on it. The girl
demurred at this at first, but Wilson
finally convinced her that Bertha and
Jo would be nightly pleased at their
action In securing such a desirable
home for them.
The real estate dealers Office was
finally found and the option secured.
Then the couple started on their jour
ney to Bertha's home, where they
would acquaint her with what they
had done
They'll be very happy there" said
Dorothy somewhat wistfully as they
left the office.
Sure they will," assented Wilson
ANY one could be happy in little
house like that"
For some reason Wilson's mood had
become rather joyous. He solicitously |
took Dorothy's arm and sklllfully guild
ed her through the crowds. 1t was be-
coming dusk, and the street lights were
not yet out They turned into side
street on a short cut to Bertha's home.
which was big, ornate affair. II
looked blatant and uncomfortable. The
little house from which Dorothy and
Wilson had come by the comparison
to them seemed much more desirable.
Bertha had not yet arrived when
they entered, but moment after they
had seated themselves In the drawing
.oom she few in. As usual, she seemed
very busy and was in tremendous
hurry.
"Oh, I'm so glad you came, people"
Bertha exclaimed. II won't have to
put you people to any more trouble
trying to find house for US. Jo and
managed TO find time to look at one
this afternoon. 1t is a nice big one,
has large rooms and big bay window,
nd we're just delighted to get ii. The
lgent said you had been looking at it.
Wait minute until I take Off my /
wraps"
She left the room. The two young
,eoplc she had left looked at each other
Ard you've signed the optionr' ex-
iaimed Dorothy.
Yes" said Wilson, suppressed aud |
ager. There's only one thing to do
lOw."
What's thatg' asked the girl shyly
nd with ayerted face. 4
Take the house ourselves"
When Bertha came to the door of !.
be room a moment later she did not /
nter. as she had intended. She gave b
ne look, saw Dorothy and Wilson F
landing In the middle of the room, t,
cry close together, and then she fed r
IS she fed, though, she heard Wilson
ay somewhat tremulously:
Don't blush so, dear. It's cousins
rivilege, you know"