Connecticut western news., 1909-04-15
THAT INVENTORY
WHAT CAME OF A HURRY
By LEAH INGERsoLL.
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 The Chamberlains. desiring to spend q longer season than usual in the coun- try on account of Mrs. Chambcrlain's health, had decided to rent their town house furnished. The tenants, whom the agent reported to be an old couple, demanded that there be an inventory, stipulating that they would send a man to compare 1t with the articles be fore it was signed. Mrs. ChamDcrlaiA, being an invalid, was h'!rrici off | .- her physician, lcuviuNu u..r daughte. Belle, to turn over the prcmi,;es arl take later train. The tenants h: agreed to send man to make the CO., parisOn at Il o'clock. At 12 he h, i not appeared. Belle, desiring to lea the city at I, became impatient. JU as she was about to telephone to . a"cnt an inquiry as to the delay thu. . Wa@ Il ring at the tell She opencu the dCor, and there stood young man. .-" was about to say something wien |&c f"rc1ta.led him:
 You're late. There is two hot:Y.-' work to do. I must leave here at .;.'
 She led the way into the library, took document from a desk and contin- ucd:
 Here's the inventory and here's a pencil. As l point out the articles check them. We'll begin with the drawing room." The man took what she offered him ] and followed her. Once in the draw ing room she began to call off in a businesslike tone: "One rug Sx1O, one rug 2X4, one rug 6x5, one piano, one sofa,' and so on till she had enumer- ated every article ill the room. Then she started for the next apartment. Before beginning the checking again the young man said:
 Have you ever attended a business college?"
 No. Why do you askT'
 "I never knew a girl so business. l like"
 "One easy chair, one lounge, one ma hogany desk"-
 'I beg pardon! Are you sure that desk is mahogany" he asked.
 Of course l am"
 "I did not understand that the ma 1 terial In the articles was to be speci- fed. Suppose I were to certify that the desk is mahogany and it should turn cut to be black walnut"
 Suppose the tenants" said Belle with an Ominous flash in her eye were to send dunce to compare the 1 list"
 1 That depends upon what consti tutes dunce. My definition of dunce is one who certifes to that which Inc doesn't know"
 Do you mean- to tell me that you don't know mahogany from black wal nutT
 II question if 1 could tell mahogany from rosewood"
 Belle was rapidly getting out of pa ticnce. She glanced at a clock on the mantel
 Are you quite sure you could tel the difference between a rose and 8 thistle?"
 Quite sure. I would no more blum der between q thistle and rose thar I would mistake myself for you"
 Belle gave him another quick glance "a somewhat different one.
 Are you aware that I have just SC much time and no more to get through this work?"
 '"The more reason why you should not spend it at such ridiculous task
 Well, upon my word! Did MT. and l hi business to spend your time criticisine them?"
 Ut is Mrs Middleton who has insist ed on this inventory. She Is a nerv ous. fitful, fretful old woman"
 Belle stood ready to burst with ir ritation and indignation.
 Well, I declare!" she said. "Wha am l to do? An inventory to be com pared, and the person sent to compare it thinks he knows more about it' necessity than
 You wish to leave at 3. It is now 1. Suppose we put the inventory or the floor and walk over it. That vii enable me to report to Mrs. RiddletoI that we have gone over it. We cal then sit down and spend the time iron now till $ ill q quiet chat"
 Belle was so full of astonishment not to say contempt, for this method of evudinG duty that she could no ind words for some time. Then sh' said:
 You are so clever at inventing sub terfuges perhaps you can invent some way to let me out of this business. | asked about the matter 1 shall tell th' truth, you may be sure of that"
 You will not be asked about it, fo it shall cease to exist" He threw tht inventory into a fire burning On tho hearth.
 Upon my word! Did ever any on, see such impuderce i'll an"-
 "A what?''
 "UnGerstrapper.'
 Where are the leasesT'
 Here on the desk. Father ha signed them. The tenant is to sigl and forward them"
 He went to the desk, took up one O two leases and wrote opposite the sea ..NIyo1tor ID Di1JIatpu