The Richfield recorder. (Richfield, Idaho) 1909-1931, 1911-07-27
Their
Friend

Serene went by. leaning back IN the
wicker hour-glass chair. Sometimes
book or magazine lay open In her
lap, but more often 1t had slipped I'm
needed to the floor Soreness first i'm
preston OF her was that she was the
loveliest woman she had ever seen;
her next thnt she was the weariest
looking.
Serene was very young. 1t was hot
in the central telephone Office where
she worked and the hours were long
and the pay meager. Serene had
worked there since she left school. She
making and had always acted the part
OF mother to her
One Sunday afternoon when Serene
went by she had Dave with her. Dave
had been devoted to Serene all through
her school days and since. He was a
big, gentle fellow. all ambition and
vim and sound purpose. who meant
when he had learned his trade 10
make little home for Serene. Sc
rene suspected this intention. though
he had not mentioned It to her yet.
Before another Sunday arrived a
new girl came into the office. She was
snowy. handsome girl. who always
had an answer or a pert little laugh
ready
Serene shrank from association
with her and the girl perceived it.
Consequently when Dave came that
Saturday afternoon to wait for Serene
and to accompany her home the
new girl tried to discomft Serene by
flirting with him. She asked him to
read the numbers while she plugged"
at her switchboard. and Dave, uncon-
scioUs OF any wrongdoing. complied.
Serene was angry and went home
alone as fast as her feet would carry
her, a very much disturbed little girl.
Next day when Dave called her up
she gave him over the phone spir-
tied reply and hung up the receiver.
When he came to call she would not
see him.
She was so miserable that on a GER
tain afternoon when rain menaced she
walked to work without her umbrella.
There was none at the office she could
DOllOWg 81 BIG udQ " VAIN DdCh
through the drizzle, which suddenly |
became a downpour. just as she |
reached the veranda lady's house. She |
had started to run in dismay at get |
ting drenched when voice called |
coolly, commandingly: Come here.
want to see you
The veranda lady had come to life
h. rxrf& ali
her might to the proffered shelter and
sank into a chair.
They sat a moment watching the
rain.
Il have seen you go by every day
since I have been here" said the
Veranda lady In her slow, sweet, tired
way. I'm glad this rain came SO
hat we could get acquainted. You
work, don't you?"
Serene told her how and where she
worked. And she told a great deal
more than her words conveyed, for
he lady was reading the meaning OF
Ter wan little face and miserable
yes.
I'm not happy" blurted out Serene.
I'm" And then she told the veran-
"a lady the whole story.
oh. my dear,' said the older wom-
n. And she put up her white hand
nd brushed back her hair. There
vas gray in her hair. Serene saw. And
N her finger was a great red stone
Ike bit OF fire. An engagement ring.
Oh, my dearl You were Jealous
ealousl OF that dear boy! You see.
can tell he is dear boy And you
re a dear little girl. But you will
yreck your life II you aren't careful.
IS very lucky for you that you can
till make up. And when you have
,ade up stay So"
Splashing through the rain, laden
18th raincoat and umbrella, came a
all young figure. 1t was Dave and he
as coming straight for her house.
creme knew. looking for her. She
aught her breath.
why, there he is now!' said the
eranda lady cheerfully. Coming to
ring you an umbrella. The dear boy!
all to him-Call to him, quick!'
Serene called. And Dave heard. His
zee was very bright as he came to
le veranda, and though the lady in
e hour-glass chair was wonderful to
.e, he had eyes only for Serene.
HON he helped very proudly into the
lincoat very contrite. humble
tie Serene she was. too.
You must come and see me togeth-
some evening" said the veranda
dy, as they were going away. II
ant to know you both better. III
AXE you something nice in the
afing dish and sing for you some
ngs know you'll like"
"Oh, we'll come" cried Serene.
md thank you a million timesl' III
Next day as Serene was passing she
n up to the veranda railing to speak
her new friend.
We've made up" she said radiant