The Red Cloud chief., 1911-08-17

'REGINA'S DEN
By JANE OSBORN
(Copyrsh,. 1911. by Associated LieIarx PIessl


long. cheerful evenings together
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 his pretty wife. Maud, sitting at
his side darning very small white
SOCKS. At the other end Of the table
sprawled Richards young brother
Tom, with a look OF uncomfortable
determination, over a book whose
contents he was not absorbing with
any too great ease Regina. Richard 8
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to be literary, had withdrawn to a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 lie was perilously near say.
Ing something that gentle little Maud
didn't allow on these pleasant family
evenings. Instead he slammed his
book together p'.a came out with a
loud, "Rats!" that made Regina pause
forcibly in her writing and sent her
muse flying. 1T just makes my
blood boil" Tom went on. TO be
stuck VITA a subject like Latin. The
dean says can't 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 a corker-
captain Of the crew when he was In
college, played first base on the team
He's the best get up fellow ever saw
anywhere"
II don't see that that has anything
to do with his being a good Latin
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. tn
that beastly old exam comes Of
He'll get me through II 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 It to you"
Regina's patience had been tried
to the limit.
We'll. Of all the places to try to
write!" she exclaimed. II thought
you all knew I didn't want to be
talked to. Now this settles It. I'll
Just have to have den. I've been
thinking Of It long time and now
I'm settled. I'll rig up place In the
attic where ! can be quiet It's a
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, II thought you liked being with
Us We've always been SO fond of
each other till now" Here there was
a little sob. "Oh. to think ! have
driven you to the attic!"
Don't be silly" said Regina. "I
cant poke OF In my bedroom. SO I'm
Just going to rig up a place in the
attic. Why. almost think I can
write something worth while II l can
get on ny myself.
In spite OF fearful protests on the
part OF Maud and jests on tn, part
OF her tive brothers Regina was In.
stalled In her sanctum In the attic.
Here. with q desk and lounge, a
bookcase filed with her favorite
books and the walls covered with her
favorite prints and photographs Re.
gina had place that was to be all
her own.
One evening after Regina had 70.
tired to this sanctum with q freshly
filled 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 stems at
time to see what his sister wanted.
He followed her into the attic and
there by the light of the shaded desk
lamp he saw the reason for his hasty
summons. Regina pointed to q group
OF cigarette ends. and a 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
dauntless manhood. crumpled before
bis sister.
I'm awfully sorry. sister," he said.
but to tell you the truth Harry TT.
tus. that tutor Of mine. and I have no
other place to 60. You know what
II 10 down in the living room with
Maud and the baby coming In and
out. II was just my luck to forget to
clear up the cigarettes after him,
though"
I've suspected II for a week." said
Regina sternly. II 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
q masculine hand. III that Mr.. Titus
did that please see that he doesn't
repeat the offense Didn't he know
that this was my den?"
Tom promised faithfully never
sgain to invade the sanctity of his
sist er'a don and returned IN hie hooL.