The Somerset reporter., 1908-01-23
proffered her a chair beside his desk !;

proffered her 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 Burkhart?"
81 came to pay my rent. Your agent
said If 1t wasn't paid today he would
dispossess US. You see. we had money
In the bank. but 1t was tied up, and be
wouldn't wait He said, 'Them's my
orders Here is the money. VIII you
give me a receipt. pleasep'
II never authorized any agent to say
that. Miss Burkhart. and ! tell you
what | wish you would do. Just put
that money back In that mysterious
pocket of yours and pay the rent when
it is perfectly convenient promise
that you shall not be bothered by an
insolent collector any more. will call
for the rent myself-if may" he add
ed, with some hesitation. THAT col
lector of mine needs a lesson"
at would be so nice II could keep
this money to pay the poor tradespeo-
pie, II 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
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 am not thlefY 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 rider
lie tucked her in 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 cear. 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 welcome from the window and
met Lillian Mt the door, beaming with
pleasure 1t took some time to tell the
mother how it happened aud the
mother was happy because Lillian
smiled and went about the house with
renewed energies The landlord was
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 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 as they
drew two easy chairs before the fire.
"But mere money won't do" he said
slyly as he drew little nearer to her
and took her hand In his. 81 want
you. little girl, to be my wife. Will
you ?" he pleaded.
Are you sure you love me-sure
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 I'll try not TO be such
cross husband as | am a landlord.
Say Yes Lillian. and my life shall be
yours to do with as you will"
Yes. surely yes" Lillian murmured
as he drew her lovely head to his
shoulder and kissed the wavy locks
that would slip out of bondage.