Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1912-09-05

II E old clock in the library struck ten
~ i Simultaneously, Miss Eleanor Churchill
n laid down the book she was reading, re-
moved her glasses from her arstocratc
!: ; i; !: !:
@ & ST. nose and leaned back in her chair with
GS4AU an air of quiet expectation.
|sSY 4 #HH She knew that in exactly five min
~ XXI utes Anne, her faithful servant would
HA*$ enter the to push back the half
burned logs i'll the open fireplace, and
bE4EzsRsr~S them with ashes, to restore to
<Stc, its proper location and angle any piece
~ OF furniture that had been moved so
slightly during the day, and to turn off
the electric light She knew that Anne
would finally approach her the reading table with
resolute and respectful mier If she far forgot
herself as 70 remain immersed in her book after the
urfew stroke OF ten, Anne would remain rigid with
eproach so sterny banished from her countenance
as to make her voceess almost loud enough
0 create an echo. If she were not reading, as in
his instance, Anne would stretch her hand toward
he reading lamp as signal that her mistress could
make her exit before she turned off the light
This was the Routine iii Miss Churchills home, and
Routine there impacably cxigent.
Tonight, Miss Churchill arose alertly at the sig
al. When she reached tho threshold she and the
light went out together In the central hall, be-
ond the library, there a dim illumination
This enabled her to reach without any disaster the
hanlber opposite, which was her bedroom. She
auscd moment after opening the door, to regard
Pensivey its peaceful interior She had it
many times before, yet tonight it seemed different
Was it, perhaps because she herself different?
,he felt that it was.
Her bed invitation to reposc, with its
upper sheet smoothly folded back, and the pillows in
POSITION. All electric light adjusted above it, at
|n angle to meet the needs OF recumbent reader
On the floor stood her slippers awaiting her feet
hey almost seemed to move toward her she
ookcd them, so assured and compelling was their
mute invitation. Across the foot-board lay her
Nrappcr-a luxurious thing OF soft lavender silk
he silver on the drcssng-case seemed to throw out
gmmer of welcome. Beyond, through the open
DOR OF the bathroom, the large monogramed tow
Is hung in decorous readiness from the glass bars
the racks. Everything radiatcd comfort and
luxury, we'll exquisite orderliness. Yet Miss
hurchill felt dissatisfied and restless. Even luxury
nd comfort spelled Routine, and in this unwonted
moment OF rebellion she experienced almost saw
sc revolt against Routine.
With a Difference that part Of Routine, Anne
Passed her and entered the room. There was one
hing more to be donc-he last: to draw down the
reen shades the soft lace that covered the win
ows. Anne did it, like priceless automaton. Miss
HuTCIlll ud NOT ike to see these severe paralleO-
Frams making unsympathetc panels in her dainty
BEDROOM before her preparations for bed demanded
hcir presence. This small function too was Rou-
inc Were she to awaken from stupor to behold
tnnc lowering these shades clock could not have
Old her the time accurately
In this present instance Anne shut out BY the
reen shades, pretty picture Of whirling snow
axes athwart the ruddy CLEAN thrown on the out
r darkness from the brightly illuminated windows
tr-
inc face soitcnng. This time in which she pre-
pared her beloved mistress for bed was the hour
;hcn she allowed to talk trivial events of
he day with the freedom Of privileged old servi-
or She bent to remove Miss Churchills shoes as
er mistress sank into chair, and rested her gray
cad comfortably against its cushioned back This,
90, Routine.
anne" she asked, with abruptness which was
OF Routine, chow old am ~
Anne's response seemed of the very essence Of her
SYSTEMATIC and correct being
"Fiity-six, the eighteenth OF last August, Miss
Eleanor"
Miss Churchlps gray eyes widencd in surprise
Fifty she exclaimed. Really? Why, Anne
hats old! But do you know" she went on, mus
ngy, 81 don't feel old as that. Do look it,"
"Ye do not, ma am" declared Anne. The dis
laimer seemed almost passionate, for her. She rose
o get the wrapper, and then stood gazing down on
he other woman with shrewd, afeconate eyes.
'Yc could call yourself forty, Miss Eleanor, ant
robody would doubt it. To be sure" she added
With simple sincerity yer hairs gray. But who's,
Wouldn't be these days with the arships and auty
mobiles hyin' about, ready to drop all, to sa,
othn OF the nervous strain of Twin, that the doc
ors talk about
Miss Churchill laughed, little self-cons ciously
I'm afraid can't claim to be victim of nervous
train, Anne she said, demurely "Im too easy
Eoing do nothing! I'm letting myself stagnate
We're in the back water The truth is"-she seemed
be making the confession to herself more than tc
Nnne-"I'm getting horribly selfish"
Selfish! You! Listen to that! Anne seemed +,
roke reputation from, invisible defenders Of truth