The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1912-07-18

porches filed with daintily gowneG
women and the tennis courts gay
with young men and girls
This was the reason why Beth
chose to enter the wide carriage gate
and keep on around TO the Kitchen
door, where n tired.looking woman In
n neat Bingham dress was churning.
"oh. here you are at last" she
cried In a relieved tone I'm sorry
you had to walk all the way-you
must be tired. Joe didn't wait for the
3 o'clock train. He thought II YOU
didn't come at noon you wouldn't bel
here till night. and was wondering
how was going to get supper with
out you"
Beth stared ashast ut this recep-
ton. II was evident that Mrs. Marsh
had mistaken her for some other ex-
pected person. In n few words she
explained who she was and the dlsas-
ter that had befallon her finances.
I'm awful sorry, Miss Tilton." said
Mrs. Marsh when Beth had finished
her story. land It seems too bad that
you have 10 lose your vacation after
all-if It was out OF the season I'd
tell you to stay any way, but we're
crowded. OF course. and every room
IL engaged can rent yours tomor-
row"
"Of course will pay you for the
day or 80 shall remain" explained
Beth.
MY land wish you vas a wait
rcss-I'm so short of help" bemoaned
Mrs. Marsh, suddenly turning to n
subject that appeared to be or her
mind. Annie Brian left yesterday
and sent to Beechmont for another
girl. and I've been expecting her by
every train. To tell you the truth.
thought you was one"
Wouldn't do" asked Beth.
You wouldn't want. though it's
honest work. Miss Triton" said Mrs.
Marsh. eagerly.
"Irl do It." agreed Beth. III you
will allow me to spend every after
noon out OF doors after | have fin
ished my work. In that way can
pay for my vacation and get some
good from II. toe"
THAT will suit me--now, what shall
call you?"
You might call me Lizzie" smiled
Beth. I'm glad | brought plenty OF
plain cotton dresses along. II YOU
will lend mo some aprons I'll begin
now"
Not until you've rested. Annio's
little room Is clean and cool and you
go lie down and rest till o'clock.
Drink n glass of buttermIlk first and
help yourself to cookies from the jar
on the table there"
Thus Beth Triton began her strange
vacation, which was half work. She
did not write home TO her family and
tell them OF her loss and how the
vacation money had vanished after all
They would DO disappolnted-they
had all helped to get her OF. She
wrote OF the pleasant people WHO
we're stopping there, OF tho games OF
tennis and croquet, OF the fishing IN
the lake, tho long trampR over hill
and dale and OF long afternoons which
she spent In n hammock under the
apple trees In the orchard.
She told them about Bruce May-
nard, who was stopping at Wildwood
Farm for a few weeks. She mentioned
what he had said 10 her in many
interesting conversations held undet
the apple trees. but she did not tell
them that some of the feminine
boarders we're shocked ut his attens
lions to the pretty young waltress
and how she had at last been obliged
to avoid him.
Then one day Bruce Maynard went
| away and life at the farm became
very dull for Beth. but she continued
to be the best waitress that Mrs.
Marsh had over employed and shs
was we'll liked and courteousy treated
| by all the boardcrs.
At last came the first OF September
and with II witnessed the departure
OF the last boarder. Mrs Mars him
sisted upon Berth assuming her proper
name and position. The cook was
able TO manage all the work now and
there followed week Of idleneBs.
She had paid her way and had
money in the handbag to pay her way
home and yet she was not quito hap
py. Life could never be the same to
her after meeting Bruce Maynard. II
fate had been kinder she would have
met him under more favorable condi.
lions and there might have followed
something more lasting.
The night before she was to leave
for New York Bruce Maynard came
back lie found Mrs Marsh sitting
alone on the front porch
i've come back to marry your
waitress. Lizzie Tilton," he said
hluntly. where Is She"
she's gone" smiled Mrs, Marsh
dcmurely. In her place is Miss Beth
Tilton-who really came here to board
with me- but took waitress position
because she had her pocket picked OF
the train"
Where Ia she?" insisted Maynard
Just as II he had not heard her OK
PLANTATION
Il believe she Is watching the sun
set from the orchard fence"