The sun., 1908-06-14
"A TAWDREY HOUSE
The Return Of Della Burleson.

that's the kind of woman you would
make up to, Sniffen, IL you were less OF
anatomy and more of man. remarked
Billikins the clerk as Mrs. Adele Burleson
stopped at the desk for her Key and then
swam across tho corridor to the elevator
In that exaggerated swanlike way OF hers.
"The finest woman in the Tawdrey. barring
none.'
"Finer Yes, superfine,' I agreed dubi-
ously.
.That's the way with you, sniffen. .
Billikins went on heatedly. when there
isn't anything to say you cay it in sneer.
OF course, it's only because she wouldn't
touch you with ten foot POLE. Think Of
the way she has carried herself in this
house for ten years-a young, unprotected
beautiful widow, as straight as string.
Think of the way the Hamills have picked
her up and made worlds OF her--t the most
exclusive OF people
"rm sure i only added to your praise,
Iprotested.
'Iknow; understood; YOU meant over
too much; twigged all right. Well, sup
pose she does throw few or put on side,
who has better right2
"No one In the world dependent on her,
SnifYen, and five hundred plunks month
coming on the first in certified check
from Shones, Bripley h Co., as regular-as
regular, by Jove, as our bills. That's my
idea OF side partner-warm every way
and all around.
@And blow it2 Well, guess. About the
twentieth of the month she has turned the
sock inside out and begun to pull on the
charge account. l wish the manager had
the same confidence in me. I'd make that
safe feel like a rubber ball.
yes. madam--a time tableo-certainly.
You see that case over in the cornerp There
were some there year or Sd ago
was glad to escape under cover Of this
discharge of clerical duty, for Billikins
when he finished his encomiums was sure
to renew his censure. While all he said
Of the lady was true. and hope would be
the last to cast a slight upon her, in my
heart OF hearts did think ~over." 'too
much"
large, fair woman with faded eyes and
set smile, her manner, talk, appearance,
geniality and assertiveness all seemed
artificial TO me. What if she did live cir
oumspectly? That was but the way of pru-
dence. What II she had no one dependent
upon her and spent every cent Of her income
on herself2 That was but the way of
greediness. We're there no poor at the
door Of this somewhat ignoble Lady Clara
We're de We're?
at that gloomiest Of hours when the sun
has set behind the brick and mortar cliffs
and the electric lights have not yet been
turned on, that the bursting Of a steam
pipe in the basement thrilled the Tawdrey
with sharp but brief panic, BY the time
wound and was besprinkling the corridors
through it's sievelike lengths, it was all over
except the screaming.
The terror stricken women who had dashed
down the stairs now returned to their rooms
BY the elevator, while the hallmen hurried
cages, babies. ,pincushions, puffs and other
superfiuities abandoned in the hasty fight.
| was studying the scene from my doorway,
rejecting how all humanity seems pressed
into common mould under the fosce Of
master passion when Katie the maid darted
the shape Of an ebony box, curiously carved
and suitable for letters or finery.
Me Tor tip she shouted. -Manny's
the time I've busted this same box on Mrs.
Hamill's drisser.'
Presently she returned without the box,
We'll. Katie you got your reward. / see."
I remarked.
-yis. Mr.. Sniffen,' she replied slowly,
but without the wilcome. 1t wud take
Gabreel hissiR 10 tell what will please wan
Of these fine leddies for five lninu tes be the
block. | fought at fust she was goin' to
denige her own property. Bats, rats and
thrsps, the very, bisc Of thin" And on she
went. chewing the oud Of discomfort.
;, As turned toward my room Mrs. Bur-
Ieson came down the stairs. her yes lowered
% y In search. At sight Of me a startled
fush made her smile more stereotyped
Il hope you didn't drop anything in
the recent free for all. Mrs Burleson,"
said. .The ground has been pretty we'll
by this time"
sOh. dear, no. she replied with enforced
sayety; Il didn't even deign to leave my
apartments. Don't you know. Mr.. Snifen,
hat the very latest Of the beauty culture
lads which aff1ict us poor women requires
10 to walk up and down stairs? am doing
penance."
For the hearts you have transfxed.'
added gallantly.