The Arvada enterprise., 1911-09-07
Regiina's Den
.By JANE OSBORN
SCopyright, 1911, by Associated Literary
press)

There were four of them-Richard,
Tom, Maud and Regina. Richard, the
head of the family, looked scarcely
more than boy himself, but there
was bis pretty wife, Maud, sitting at
his slde darning very small white
socks At the other end of the table
sprawled Richards young brother
Tom, with a look of uncomfortable
determination, owes book whose
contents he was not absorbing with
any too great ease. Regina, Richards
sister who taught school and longed
to be literary, had withdrawn to a
far end OF the room where by the
light OF two shaded candles she was
trying to write
Tom grated his teeth. For just a
moment he was perilously near say
ing something that gentle little Maud
didn't allow on these pleasant family
evenings Instead he slammed his
book together and came out with a
loud. "Rats!" that made Regina pause
forcibly in her writing and sent her
muse flying. at Just makes my
blood boil" Tom went on. "to be
stuck with n subject like Latin. The
dean says | cant get my degree II
/ don't pass the examination this
time"
Say, Sis" he said presently, ap-
pealing to Regina, have you seen
that tutor of mine? He's corker-
captain of the crew when he was in
college. played first base on the, team
He's the best set up fellow ! ever saw
anywhere"
81 don't see that that has anything
tutor" said Regina. mo. | haven't
seen him. Does he come to the
house?"
"Yes, every afternoon. He'll be
coming for the next two weeks. till
that beastly old exam comes Off.
He'll get me through If anyone
could"
Regina went back to her writing.
Presently Maud looked over at her.
Regina" she said sweetly. have
you seen Baby's new tooth today
It's just as white and nice-I meant
to show 1t to you"
RegInas patience had been tried
to the limit.
well, of all the places to try to
write!" she exclaimed. Il thought
you all knew | didn't want to be
talked to- Now this settles 1t. I'll
Just have to have den, I've been
thinking of 1t n long time and now
I'm settled. III rig up place in the
attic where | can be quiet. It's q
perfect shame the way we all herd
together-just stick down here as II
We didn't have an original idea in
our heads"
why. Regina" said Maud tear.
fully. Il thought you liked being with
us. We've always been so fond of
each other till now" Here there was
= little sob. "oh. to think | have
driven you to the attlc!"
Don't be silly" said Regina. II
cant rolIe off in my bedroom. so I'm
Just going to rig up n place In the
attic why. / almost think can
writc something worth while II / can
get OF by myself"
In spite Of fearful protests on the
part of Maud and jests on tho part
OF her two brothers Regina was in.
stalled In her sanctum In the attic.
Here, with desk and n lounge, n
bookcase filled with her favorite
books and the walls covered with her
favorite prints and photographs Re
gina had 4 place that was to be all
her own.
One evening after Regina had re-
tired to this sanctum with freshly
alled fountain pen and her brain full
OF ideas, her voice was heard in the
upstairs hall calling her brother Tom.
in none too gentle accents.
Tom left his books in the living
room below and went two steps at
time to see what his sister wanted.
He followed her into the attic and
there by the light Of tho shaded desk
lamp he saw the reason for his hasty
summons, Regina pointed to n group
OF cigarette ends, and box of over.
turned matches that lay on the blot.
ter at the end OF her desk
Tom, in spite OF his six feet OF
daunuess manhood, crumpled before
his sister.
TIN awfully sorry. sister," he said.
''but TO tell you the truth Harry IT.
tus. that tutor Of mine, and have no
other place 10 80, You know what
It is down in the living room with
Maud and the baby coming In and
out 1t was Just my luck to forget to
clear up the cigarettes after him,
though"
i've suspected It for week." said
Regina sternly. IL find matches in
the rose Jar and ashes IN the pen
tray. and look" she said. drawing
forth bundle OF her manuscript
covered with Latin words written in
masculine hand III that Mr.. Titus
did that please see that he doesn't
repeat the offcnse Didn't he know
that this was my don?"
Tom promised faithfully never
again to invade the sanctity OF bis
sisters den and returned to his books.