The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1908-08-13
THE TENANT OF VIEW TREES.

items from their usual Saturday list OF
purchases, found occasion to drop in
again and again at the stores to hear
the latest rurlors. Down at the Kings
| Arms. men sur1nised and coniectured
Neighbors hitherto at enmity became
amicable in order to exchange theories
over garden rails. And still nothing in
the way of reliable. authoritative infor-
nation was obtainable, and the post
mistress was forced to declare bitterly
that at last she was beaten.
The origin of all this mental activity
was to be found in Yew Trees, long,
rambling cottage, which stood at the
crossroads outside the village. For years
| Yew Trees had been without tenant,
| it's windows a prey to small boys with
big stones.
And then one day. to the surprise of
the village, painters and GLACIERS set the
old house in order, and van load OF
furniture-good, responsible-looking fur
niture, arrived at Yew Trees and was
duly inventoried by the onlookers as
each item was carried into the house.
For week, Yew Trees stood awaiting
its tenants, and the curiosity of the vii
lage rose with each days delay.
At last a stranger appeared and let
himself into Yew Trees with a key.
Those of the villagers who had the good
fortune to witness his arrival reported
that he was bearded man, moderately
good looking, though quite elderly. Fur
Their evidence, as given by Mrs. Blogg,
stated that he was wearing gold
watchchain, and that there were no nails
in the soles of his boots. Obviously, he
was wealthy man.
Before another week was out, it was
known to all the village that William
Morby was a confessed woman-hater.
And so we come to the noteworthy
day when Laura Grant made the bet.
Laura, after five years Of sedulous
walking out" had become engaged to
young Jim Bradford. In the far remote
future they hoped to marry. But Jim's
wages were small, and years would have
to elapse before wedding bells would be
rung for Laura.
It CHANGED that Laura and Jim, with
three or four other young people, were
returning from Sunday afternoon
ramble. They had been through the
woods, and the girls bore great punches
of flowers in their hands.
Presently they passed Yew Trees, and,
naturally, the besetting sir of William
Morby came up for mention
"a womanahater," said Jim. "Can't
abear the sight of 'em. They dares'nt
go near his place."
81 dare!" cried Laura valiantly:
She ran lightly up the path and
pushed open the front dor. She lis
tened; not a sound was to be heard.
Morby would be getting his tea in the
kitchen she thought She entered the
parlor and looked about her with curl
osity.
Suddenly something made her turn
her head
Morby was standing ON the threshold
of the room, watching her in silence.
Laura, her cheeks flushing scarlet,
gazed back at him in dire dismay.
81 don't understand he said gravely
''What are you doing herA?"
"It--it was a bet," Laura confessed
shamefacedly.
ga bet 2"
Eyes. Folks say no woman dares go
near your house, because be-
Because I'm what they call wom-
an-hater Is that it?''
Laura nodded guiltily.
'And so you came here to show you
weren't afraid?"
eyes. And-and I was to put these
flowers in that vase to show I'd been
here, in this room. And--and I'm sorry
now that I came"
"Flowers-fowers in my house," he
murmured to himself "The only wom-
ans touch this house has ever known.
And yet = y"
He broke off with sigh. II seemed
to Laura, glancing timidly across at
him, that he was far older man than
she had hitherto thought him. But it
was not that age which comes of the
years alone, but the age which comes
of sorrow as we'll. Vaguely she felt
that there had been but little sport in
daring to visit this house.
I'm sorry now / cama,' she repeated,
moving toward the door.
| He opened his lips to speak, then
changed his mind, and in cience stood
by the door as she passed out of the
house. He was still gazing after her
when she glanced back from the garden
gate.
Nearly week passed before Laura
saw him again, and then, at the close
OF bright spring day, she saw him
| standing by his garden rails. He looked
ineffably lonely, and some instinct of
sympathy impelled her to speak to him.
Good evening, Mr.. Morby''
! He muttered reply and looked at
her little uncertainty.
Il forgot to thank you for your
flowers he said awkwardly. They're
still fresh.''
"I'm glad. And, if you like, when
they're faded, could bring you some
more.'
At last one afternoon he sent mes
sage to her, reminding her of her prom
Use. With feeling of apprehension,
Laura set out for Yew Trees.
| She found Morby waiting for her at
the garden gate. There was something
of anxiety in his face.
Il suppose you've an idea why I
wanted to see you?' he asked "You
must have guessed p
Il think I know" said Laura slow
| ly. "And I'm sorry" )
81 know I'm getting on in years"
said the man in even tones, "but I'm
strong and healthy. This house and
furniture, as you know, are mine. I've
money in the bank-not great sum,
but sufficient to keep me in comfort.
And-and l want to ask you to marry
me-"
II thought that was why you wanted
to see me-" said Laura. sI'm sorry
- AT