Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-02-01

| ~>~~ y
her at the door, and after some hot
luncheon the girl was equal to relating
her troubles.
but, mother, we have the money,
and that old Shylock can be paid. I'll
take 1t around to him myself in the
morning and just tell him what |
think of him." said Lillian, with some
satisfaction anc a threatening intona-
ton of her voice.
The next morning about 10 o'clock
she started for the landlords office,
and as she passed the long line wait
ing at the bank she thought how fortu-
i nate she had been. Extras" were out
saying that no more depositors would
be paid.
Arriving at the offices of Payne &
Payne on Main street, she entered the
snug little reception room and asked
for MI. Payne.
(Which one, ma'am" asked the Of
fee boy at the door.
| 'Why, the one who owns our house,
! the cross one" she added by way Of
further explanation.
The boy seemed to know which man
| she wanted and disappeared in the in.
ner office. He returned In few min.
utes, saying that she might go right In,
ushered her to the door and closed II
after her.
Once inside, Lillian, blushing to the
roots Of her red brown hair, found her.
self confronted by the man who had
offered his assistance the day before.
81 am looking for Mr.. Payne" she
managed to humble.
II am Mr.. Payne" said he as he
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?
Il came to pay my rent. Your agent
said If it wasn't paid today he would
dispossess 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, pleaseY
Il never authorized any agent to say
that Miss Burkhart, and I tell you
what I 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
insolent collector any more. l will call
for the rent myself-if may" he add
ed, with some hesitation. THAT coll
lector Of mine needs lesson"
1T would be so nice IL 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 10TH" said Lillian by way of
explanation.
won't you let me drive you home
in my sleigh" Payne asked as she
rose to leave. 1.-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 thiefT he added.
"0h, Mr.. Payne, how can l ever
apologize sufficiently for my rudeness
and at the same time thank you for
your kindness? You know, l was
frightfully hungry. and standing in
linz an Innv baI a factad INV brain
fear. l 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 on
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 at 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 was
not such terror after all.
Mr.. Payne called several times that
month, always insisting that the rent
was not yet needed. and bis daytime
visits generally meant a sleigh ride
over the hills and back to the open
FIRE, where they soon grew to be great
confidants.
It was the first day Of another
month, and Mr.. Payne called that
evening. Yes, he had come to collect
the rent this time, be answered as they
drew two easy chairs before the fire.
But mere money won't do" he said
slyly as be drew a little nearer to her
and took her hand in his. Il want
you. little girl. to be my wife. VIII
YOUR he pleaded.
"Are you sure you love measure
you want meY- she said, with droop-
Ing glance and flushed cheeks.
Il am so sure, dear heart, that
want nothing else IN all the world but
vou. And III try not to be such q
ross husband as / am a landlord.
Say Yes, Lillian. and my life shall be
rours TO do with as you viii"
Yes, surely yes Lillian murmured
Is he drew her lovely head to his
shoulder and kissed the wavy locks
haf r.-o-fd aTfr, .,.rs 90 fsorH~-.