The Lafayette advertiser. [volume] (Vermilionville [i.e. Lafayette], La.) 1865-19??, 1908-02-14

profered her a chair beside his desk:
.'also among my employees have the
reputation of being the cross mein.'er
of the firm. You see. father is yefy
old and apt to be eass going as to the
observance of rules. What can ! co
for you, Miss Burkilart:"
81 came to pay ing rent. 9our agent
said if it wasn't paid today he would
dispossess us. You see. we had money
in the bank. but it was tied ul'. and he
wouldn't wait. He said. 'Them's my
orders Here is the money. VIII you
give me a receipt. please
81 never authorized any agent to say
that. Miss Burkhart. and | tell yol
what wish you would do. Just put
that money back in thar mysterious
pocket of yours and pay the rent when
1t is perfectly convenient. | promises
that you shall not be bothered by an
insolent collector my more. ! vii! eau
for the rent myself-if | may" III ADD
ed, with some hesitation. THAT col
lectOr of mine needs Il lesson"
at would be so nice if | could keep
this money to pay the poor traleS:'eo-
pie. if YOU DO not mind. Tot see. oRiy
part of our money is in that bank ami
the trust company has closed its dap.s
too. Mothers pension never comes hr-
fore the 18TH" said Lillian by way of
explanation.
won't you let me drive you home
in my sleigh?" 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 I am not a thief?' he added.
"Oh, Mr.. Payne, how a ! ever
apologize sufficiently for my rudeneis
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 rider
He tucked her in the sleigh, and or
| Iucy SCuIlCu uOWH IN DuSy oGSNeS'
then on to the outskirts Of he village.
the longest way home. The ringing
sleigh bells, the clear, cold air and the
glorious sunlight filled them both with
life, and they chatted necessarily for
an hour. when they drove up to the
little cottage. Mrs. Burkhart waved
them Il welcome from the window and
met Lillian ut the door, beaming 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 WIS
not such a 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 a sleigh ride
over the hills and back to the open
fire. where they soon grew to be great
cOnfidants.
1t 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 rs they
UEGN lNO CSiSt CuulIS bCAOAC tAC ~
But mere money won't do" he said
slyly as he drew a little nearer to her
and took her hand in his. II want
you. little girl. to he my wife. Will
your" he pleaded.
"Are yon sure you love measure
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
you. And III try not to be such a
cross husband as am Il landlord.
Say Yes Lillian, and my life shall lie
yours to do with as you will"
Eyes, surely yes." Lillian murmurcd
as he drew her lovely head to his
shoulder and kissed the wavy locks
that would slip out Of bondage.