The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1908-02-07

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proffered her n chair beside his desk;
also among my employees | have the
reputation Of being the cross member
of the firm. You see. father is very
old and apt to be easy going as to the
observance of rules. What can | do
for you, Miss BurkhartW
IL came to pay my rent Your agent
said If 1t wasn't paid today he would
6spossess us. You see. we had money
In the bank, but it was tied up. and he
wouldn't wait. He said, 'Them's my
orders Here Is the money. VIII you
give me receipt, pleaseT
II never authorized any agent to say
that, Miss Burlihart. and ! tell you
what | wish you would do. Just put
that money back in that mysterious
pocket of yours and pay the rent when
1t is perfectly convenient. | promise
that you shall not be bothered by an
insolcnt collector any more. will call
for the rent mysclf-lf | may" he add
ed, with some hesitation. THAT col
lector Of mine needs lesson"
1T would be so nice If | could keep
this money to pay the poor tradespeo-
pie. if you do not mind. You see. only
part of our money is in that bank and
the trust company has closed its doors
too. Mothers pension never comes be-
fore the 18th" said Lillian by way of
explanation.
won't you let me drive you home
I'm my sleighT Payne asked as she
rose to leave. "The streets are rather
riotous these days with the bowling
mob crying for their money" And
without waiting for her answer he put
on his fur coat that hung on the door
"You have quite persuaded yourself, |
hope, that | am not thief2" he added
"Oh, Mr.. Payne, how can | ever
apologize sufficiently for my rudeness
and at the same time thank you for
your kindness? You know, ] was
frightfully hungry. and standing in
line so long had affected my brain. |
fear. seemed To feel that every one
who looked at me wanted to steal that
money. And, oh, I'm so delighted to
have that sleigh ride"
He tucked her i'm the sleigh. and of
they started down the busy streets.
then on to the outskirts of the village,
the longest way home. The ringing
sleigh bells, the clear, cold air and the
glorious sunlight filed them both with
life, and they chatted necessarily for
an hour. when they drove up to the
little cottage Mrs. Burkhart waved
them welcome from the window and
met Lillian ut the door. beamiug with
pleasure. 1t took some time TO tell the
mother how it happened, and the
mother was happy because Lillian
smiled and went about the house with
renewed energies. The landlord was
not such Il terror after all.
Mr.. Payne called several times that
month, always insisting that the rent
was not yet needed. and his daytime
visits generally meant n sleigh ride
over the hills and back TO the open
Dire. where they soon grew To be great
contidants
IL was the first day of another
month. and Mr.. Payne called that
evening. Yes. he had come TO collect
the rent this time. he answered as they
drew two easy chairs before the fire
But mere money won't do" he said
slyly as he drew n little nearer to her
and took her hand In his. II want
YOU. little girl. to be- my wife. VIII
your" he pleaded.
"Arc you sure you love me-surc
YOU want me;" she said. with droop-
ing glance and flushed cheeks.
II am so sure. dear heart, that !
want nothing else In all the world but