The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-07

loway was visited one morning by a com mittee from the District Dorcas society. Miss Galloway knew them we'll
 We should like to rent one of your vacant rooms" explained the spokes- woman.
 I've but the one'
 we should like to rent 1t, then"
 "I'd like you to, too, but I don't take married-'
 We have heard all about that from a Mrs. What's-her-name down the street, and we think we have person who will be unobjectionable to you"
 "-people, because they quarrel, nor bachelors, because they drink; nor girls, because they think of nothing but f1irt- ing and fellers," continued Miss Galloway triumphantly. It would need more than three women to sidetrack her. q take only widows"
 This is one-a Mrs. Smink"
 q don't like the name. It makes me think of skunk
 ''Oh, how silly Miss Galloway It can do nothing of the kind! And a name makes no difference, anyway"
 "Makes me think of skunk" repeated Miss Galloway, showing her glasses pretty high. The two principals looked daggers at each other. A young giddy slum- mer, a recent member of the committee, threw herself into the breach.
 Can't you think of skunk and rent your room, too?" she asked.
 "Yes, miss, and be glad to-. : Well, for pity's sake, let's call this settled! You will take Mrs Smink then?"
 "One moment. Has this Mrs. Skunk (smink) any children?"
 oh, dear no. Better if she had. She would be less lonelyP
 q differ, Miss. She'd be lonelier. She'd have to stay in with them, while with out them she can gad about and get comforted. Don't say children to me- Pussy, shrieking. smeary-mouthed nuis- ancesl This Mrs Skunk (SminD ought to thank her stars for what she's missed"
 Flight it out between you," said the young summer, cheerfully, but be nice to her, Miss Galloway. We are going to bring her right here from the funeral"
 "Whose funeral?'
 Her husbands. She is a very new widow indeed. And very sad. I'm sure she would like it if you had cup of lea ready for her when she comes"
 I'm sure she would, too, miss, but can't think of it. It would be bad start. Ever after she would be wanting something hot every pang that struck her."
 I am sorry you won't; but-a little bunch of sweet peas in her room"
 Cant think of that either, miss. And 1t would only remind her of the dead. No, when I rent a room the lodger lives her life and I live mine, separate and unsocial. Where there's no familiarity there's no frictions. We'll drop the sweet pea idea right here'
 Don't do anything you are not paid for,' said the young woman indignantly. But wish you could see the room she is in now. You would not talk of sweet peas reminding her of the dead.' Why, there is not a bud or blossom in sight. They are so poor and their friends, if they have any, are so poor" Genuine emotion mastered her and she hid her face in her handkerchief Miss Galloway got emotional, too, and asked anxiously:
 'rf this Mrs. Skunk 6Smink) is as poor as you say, how am l to make sure of my rent?"
 'w a guarantee it. Mrs. Smink sews beautifully and has many patrons"
 q want dollar a week"
 You'll get it," promised the commit tee, rising wearily as one
 sTll need to-" said Miss Galloway grim lv showing them from the door.
 Needn't think they can lord 1t over me just because they have lace on their petticoats," she muttered.
 Before going indoors she glanced at the houses on both sides of the street. mo- ticing with ever new jealousy the ever old scene of general neighborliness in which she had no share. From the groups of tv, tt4 <x,,ffa fn ho prrnt women at wash-tubs in back yards, all but herself had comrades t6 idle with. cronies to talk to-
 "Gossipping trollops!' she commented. Her tone was bitter, but there was also